Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Reflect
A simple thank you means so much, doesn’t it?
As a teacher and a coach, my colleagues and I pour countless hours into their students, and unfortunately, it is actually startling to have a student or parent come back after the year with a thank you. However, I really shouldn’t be surprised, because when I think about all of the
teachers and coaches who invested into my own life, I realize that I often left my appreciation unsaid. I assumed that they knew that I recognized their hard work and that I appreciated them.
I find today’s text very interesting because it reveals to us that God desires a little appreciation too. Nine of the ten who were healed fail to return with thanksgiving, and Jesus calls them out! They had received what they wanted. Their prayer had been answered, and they went on with their life. I can hear the things that they were saying in their head. “Oh, he knows I appreciate this. He doesn’t need me to come back and tell him.” However, it seems that God does want us to return with thanksgiving. When we do, we benefit
with even greater clarity of spirit and connection with God.
Pray
Holy God, we recognize that we have too often been remiss in bringing our thanksgiving. We assume that you know that we are grateful, but we fail to utter the words aloud and to bring you praise. We do thank you, Father, for your goodness which exceeds anything that we deserve. We lift up this thanks to you in the name of Jesus. Amen
Go with God!
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