Luke 17
"In
everything give thanks (in EVERYTHING!); for this is God's will for you."
1 Thess 5:18
If a
small child is taught to say "thank you" for a small piece of candy
received, should not grown up Christians give thanks for innumerable graces
from the Father's hand?
If
we could have been reporters on the scene, we can imagine everyone confessed
their gratitude. Their lives had
been transformed in a moment. They
had passed from death to life by the gracious healing of the Master. None would be so callous as to declare
they deserved healing graces. It
is quite unlikely that even one said, "It's about time!" No, being
overwhelmed by God's goodness won't typically leave one unappreciative; it's
just that feeling a sense of joy is a
step or two short of declaring one's
gratitude.
They
were members of the fraternity in which no one wanted membership.
They
were helpless, desperate and aware.
They
were respectful.
They
were believing.
They
were healed.
They
were ecstatic.
But
nine of the ten continued dying.
He
was a fraternity of one
He
shared their suffering.
He
shared their desperation.
He
shared their respect.
He
shared their healing.
He
shared their joy.
He
did not share their self-preoccupation.
They
were members of the fraternity in which no one wanted membership. They shared all things in common; all
things, that is, except race and attitude. It was the two-time outcast, the leprous Samaritan, who
alone rushed back to bow in gratitude before the Jewish Master who had poured
out healing grace.
"Then one
of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud
voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a
Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, 'Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was
no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?'
And he said to
him, 'Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'"
Luke 17:15-19
Luke 17:15-19
He
was twice the outcast. He was
formerly leprous and was continuously Samaritan, but he was grateful. He alone was COMPLETELY healed...body,
soul and spirit. He was a
fraternity of one.
If a
small child is taught to say "thank you" for a small piece of candy
received, should not grown up Christians give thanks for innumerable graces
from the Father's hand?
Happy
Thanksgiving, Church!
Pastor
Tom
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