Giving Thanks

From Pastor Quentin Wallace

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” — Luke 17:15-18

In the passage above, Jesus had traveled to a border area between Samaria and Judea where he encountered 10 men with leprosy —a painful, incurable, and infectious disease. Because of it, they were isolated from society. By law, to keep from infecting others, they were supposed to yell to anyone who came near to keep away.

Nonetheless, Jesus went into this area, and they cried out to him for help. Responding to their plea, Jesus sent them to the priest to confirm they had been cleansed so they could return to society. Nine of the 10 never came back to thank Jesus for the healing. However, one of the 10 who were healed came back and, in gratitude, gave thanks to Jesus.

This reminds me of times when I’ve been to a physician for assistance. The physician always did three things: examined me, told me what was wrong, and prescribed medication to solve the problem. Soon after the visit, I’d feel better. However, I don’t recall calling the physician to say thank you. Is it just me, or have you forgotten to do so, too? Usually, we move forward with our lives until we need the physician again.

Jesus, as our spiritual physician, did a similar thing for each of us. He examined us by looking into our hearts, showed us what needed to be repaired through his teachings, and prescribed the Holy Spirit for restoration. For these things, we should be in constant praise for God out of gratitude.

The grateful leper returned with great joy and bowed before Christ, so not only did his words praise, but he also praised him with his body language. Let’s use words and actions to show God and others we are grateful.

As we embark on the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us remember to thank God for our church, our family, our friends, our accomplishments, and all the that we’ve been blessed with.  As you gather to carve the turkey or exchange the gifts, share about how God has blessed you.

 Always thank God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 5:20

 — Pastor Quentin