by Micah Messer
There were ten men whose skin was covered with ulcers and sores, and their bodies wrapped in filthy rags. Some were missing noses, fin-gers, and toes. They had leprosy, an unbearable, incurable disease. Treated as dead people, lepers were rejected by the priests, banished from society, and isolated from their families. They traveled together because they had no one and no hope—until one day they heard Jesus was in their village. From a distance they waited until they finally saw Him. Leprosy had ruined their vocal chords, but together they lifted up their voices and cried out, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! Jesus heard their cry, saw their need, and answered their plea. Jesus commanded them to show themselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed.
Sores and ulcers suddenly disappeared. Fingers and toes suddenly reappeared. Arms and legs moved freely. Shriveled hands held and grasped. They looked at themselves! They were healed! “Look at what our faith has done,” said the first leper. “We didn’t even have to be touched by Jesus like other lepers,” said the second. “I’m glad I thought of it,” replied the third. “I’m going to show my family,” said the fourth. “I’m going to tell my friends,” added the fifth leper. The sixth leper said, “I’m going to the priests like Jesus told us.” “I’m going to buy me some new clothes;” “and I need to find me a new job,” said the seventh and eighth lepers. The nineth leper said, “We’ve been given a new beginning!” Nine walked away.
One ran back. Sure, the tenth leper had places to go and people to see, but he had to go back. He had to see Jesus. He had to kneel at His feet, just to say thank you.
When was the last time you had to say thank you to Jesus? When was the last time you kneeled and worshiped Him only for what He has done, not for what He would do? How often do you forget His blessings? How often do you take for granted His provisions?
We are inconsiderate Christians. We are spoiled saints. We often pray with a to-do list and rarely pray with a thank-you list. We seldom thank Him for the good things and never thank Him for the bad things.
The Word tells us to give thanks continually for all things in every situation. In everything give thanks (1 Thes 5:18). Give thanks always for all things to God (Eph 5:20). Continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, giving thanks to His name (Heb 13:15).
Just like the story of the ten lepers, Jesus does not demand our thanks, but He does desire it. Thank Him today.
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