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Which Thankful Leper Are You?

Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17-18, ESV

We know the story of the ten lepers. The men were outcasts from society through no fault of their own, yet it was for society’s protection. They had a contagious disease that could not be allowed to spread. The only people they could have contact with were other lepers. Their lives were painful and hopeless. They were cut off from their families and friends.

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Nine of these men were Israelites, and one was a Samaritan. Political differences didn’t matter. A common problem bound them together. It is amazing how a common problem or enemy can cause us to work with people we don’t like. Self-interest can remove barriers. A famous example of this in a negative way was when Pilate and Herod, who hated each other, became friends because of their shared problem with Jesus.

Somehow, these lepers heard about Jesus. A glimmer of hope shone into their lives, but only a glimmer. What were the chances that they would have the opportunity to meet Jesus? Slim at best. Then imagine the joy and excitement they felt when they saw Jesus walking nearby. Hope blossomed, but they could not approach Him; instead, they called out, pleading in loud voices. This was likely their only opportunity to be healed, and they were not going to miss it. When we are desperate, embarrassment and protocol are not on our radar. We just need help!

Jesus did not heal them instantly, but instead told them to go show themselves to the priests. This was an act of faith on their part. By showing themselves to the priests, they were declaring that they were clean and just needed his confirmation before they could rejoin their families and society.

Somewhere on their way to Jerusalem, they were healed. Imagine the joy! Now they could go back to their families, love their wives, hold their children, and enjoy their friends. How would you have felt in their place? As soon as the priest declared them clean, they raced to their families. Think about the excitement as hopelessness turns to hope at the touch of loved ones once again.

Was only one of the lepers thankful? No. They were all thankful, but only one made Jesus his priority. Only one person placed Jesus ahead of the longed-for reunion with family and friends. Only one person cared enough to thank the Person Who had healed him… and he wasn’t even an Israelite. He didn’t do this quietly either. There was no whispering “Thank You” in Jesus’ ear. No, this was a loud voice and falling at Jesus’ feet. Everyone around knew what was happening.

What about us? Every breath we take is a gift from God. Whatever we have - salvation, health, family, friends, church, job, material possessions - whether great or small, is a gift from God. As I wrote last month, we all deserve Hell. Anything above that is a gracious and merciful gift from our loving God. So many people are ungrateful and complaining.

But I’m not talking about them. How about us? Are we like the nine who thankfully take the gifts of God and use them for our own desires and goals? Perhaps we give God a fleeting “thanks” as we hurry about our day. How many of us make giving thanks to God a priority in life? Does everyone around us know how thankful we are? Do we proclaim the wonders of God, especially as they have been applied to us? Or is our thankful heart a well-kept secret? Are we one of the nine - thankful but with our own priorities - or are we with the one who made Jesus his priority?

For more information about Glenn Davis, see our About Glenn page or visit Glenn Davis Books.

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