Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

Read

Luke 17:11-19 (NRSV)

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Reflect

Today we again look at how Jesus dealt with people who suffered with leprosy. This time, though, there were ten men living in a leper colony outside of the town. When they saw Jesus entering the nearby village, they called out to him, asking for healing. Because they had leprosy, they were “unclean” and couldn’t come near other people. Apparently they had heard that Jesus had healed others and wanted him to do so for them as well.

Jesus’ reply to them? He said only, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they turned to do so, they were healed. This day must have been the happiest one of their lives!

However, only one of the healed lepers turned back to thank Jesus. Only one delayed his appearance before the priests, who would declare him to be clean once again, to thank the One who made the healing possible. What a disappointment to Jesus!

Are you the “one”? Do you stop to offer thanks when you receive a blessing from God? When God answers your prayers, do you give thanks? Just something to think about today.

Pray

O Great Jehovah, you are the source of all goodness. Please forgive us when we fail to stop and thank you for the blessings you send our way! We don’t mean to be ungrateful. We do appreciate so very much your love and care for us and for answering our prayers. Please help us not to let a day go by without our saying a heartfelt “Thank You!” Amen!

Go with God.