Audio Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q6xcV70rWiYdhUpVnLdwNv20uVyhEnlU/view?usp=sharing
[Make sure you read the special note at the end!]
This reading challenges us to reflect on how we respond to God’s blessings—with forgetfulness or with heartfelt gratitude and worship. The reading narrates a powerful encounter between Jesus and ten men suffering from leprosy, a disease that isolated them from society and marked them as unclean under Jewish law. It also reveals the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing faith over nationality or status.
Scripture:
"Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, 'Jesus, Master, have pity on us!' When he saw them, he said, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed.
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?' Then he said to him, 'Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'" (Luke 17:11-19, NIV)
Reflection:
Ten men stood at a distance, bound together by their shared suffering of leprosy. They called out to Jesus for mercy, and He responded with healing. But the story takes a striking turn: only one returned to give thanks. This man, a Samaritan, not only expressed gratitude but also recognized the divine power behind his healing.
Jesus' response reveals a deep truth: gratitude is not merely a polite response; it is an act of faith. The Samaritan’s return to thank Jesus was more than courtesy—it was worship. While all ten experienced physical healing, only one received the deeper blessing of spiritual restoration.
This story invites us to examine our own hearts. How often do we pause to recognize God’s blessings and return to Him in gratitude? In our busyness, we may receive His gifts but fail to acknowledge the Giver. True gratitude springs from a heart that sees God’s grace and responds with worship and faith.
Application:
Take a moment during this Thanksgiving week to reflect on the blessings God has given you—both big and small. Have you thanked Him for them? Gratitude transforms our perspective, drawing us closer to Jesus and reminding us of His constant presence in our lives. Like the Samaritan, may we fall at His feet in praise, acknowledging His mercy and grace.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy and the countless ways You bless us each day. Forgive us when we take Your gifts for granted. Help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude, always returning to You with praise. May our thankfulness deepen our faith and draw us closer to You. Amen.
Special Note….
My friend….
After these many years of posting weekly devotions under various names and formats, I’m discontinuing these devotional postings. There are many devotionals available through various authors and various formats. I want to thank you for the opportunity to enter your weekly emails or postings on Facebook. I pray God will bless your daily journey in the Lord! Peace and joy be and abide with you!
Dr. Lou…………….
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