Sunday, October 14, 2007

Luke 17:11-17 - Grateful to God

Scripture:
 
Luke 17:11-17
11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.
12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him;
13 and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
14 When He saw them, He said to them, " Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed.
 
15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice,
16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.
17 Then Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine - where are they?"
NASU
 
 
Thoughts:
 
Ingratitude is so clearly seen in the 9 who did not return to thank Jesus.  They cried out to Him in their sickness (verse 13), even calling Him "Master," but once cleansed, they went on their way. 
 
Like many of the gospel accounts, the sin is so glaring we think, "how could they possibly do that!?"  However, if we are honest with ourselves, we have probably done the same thing too many times to recall.  Seeking the Lord earnestly about a problem in our lives, but then neglecting to glorify and even thank Him when He answers.
 
Truly, if one time in our lives we saw an answer to prayer as we desired (and we've likely seen many, many more), wouldn't this be cause for worship for the rest of our lives?  To think that Almighty God moved in answer to our request!  That is amazing!  You'd think we'd want to tell everyone like this one thankful leper (verse 15b).
 
 
Prayer:
 
Lord, forgive me for taking You for granted.  For thinking too much of myself and too little of You. 
 
Though I'm figuratively an ant in this universe, You, the Master of all, hear and answer my prayers!  Not always as I want, but You always answer.  Let me understand the wonder of this reality, and not falsely assume that it's my right.
 
Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.