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The Ten Lepers - Luke 17
The Ten Lepers - Luke 17
Being thankful should be easy, natural, and continual! I find it interesting that this parable of the 10 lepers comes immediately after the statement of our acknowledgment that in the end, we are yet unworthy of our relationship with God.
"So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'" (Luke 17:10)
In fact, ALL that we have and are is because of God. As Paul asked the Corinthians: “what do you have that you did not receive?” (1Cor. 4:7). The problem is recognizing and acknowledging such. In this parable, all 10 lepers were healed. All 10 KNEW they were healed. ONE returned in a thankful heart to give thanks. And he was a Samaritan! That comes with all the baggage of Jewish prejudice against Samaritans!
Paul began his picture of the downfall of the Gentiles (mankind!) with the fact that they were UNTHANKFUL (Rom. 1:21). God let them go, and ‘down they went’ into lives of sinfulness (Rom. 1:22-32). As disciples we are taught to be thankful! And to GIVE THANKS. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
ARE YOU? Count your blessings, and give thanks unto the Lord.
Hugh DeLong
