“On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’” -Luke 17:11-19
Today’s Word:
This story is mind-blowing to me. I lived in a country where we saw people with leprosy. It’s not like getting healed from a headache; having this skin disease is a life-altering circumstance that causes a person to be maimed and to live as an outcast. People don’t want to look at you, touch you, or be around you.
While the other nine went on their way, there was only one of these lepers who turned back to not only thank the Lord, but to glorify Him. How could that be? Jesus heals them from such a thing like this, and only one alters his course of action: who says, “You know what, it’s worth it. I’ve got to see the feet and face of the One who has done this for me.”
This is just not about giving thanks; this is about radically giving God the glory and radically worshiping Him. It’s not about going on our “merry old way” because because we are cleansed, BUT because we are cleansed, going back and finding Him in sold-out, full-throttle worship! Will you be that ONE?
Scripture:
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” -Psalm 42:1-2
“I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” -Psalm 146:2
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5
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