Luke 17:11-19 (NRSV)
Read Luke 17:11-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. Verse 12As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, Verse 13they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Verse 14When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Verse 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. Verse 16He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Verse 17Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Verse 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Verse 19Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Devotion
No story so clearly shows ingratitude. Lepers come for healing, Jesus heals, and nine never say thanks. How often when we get what we want do we too fail to say, thanks.
Ever thanked your parents? King Lear said: “Sharper than a serpents’ tooth it is to have a thankless child!” Ever thanked a friend? At the moment we may feel a debt of gratitude for what they have done for us, but tragically we often fail to repay it or say thanks.
Ever thanked God? With intense need, desperation, we seek God’s guidance, healing, help and grace. Do we say thanks for the blessings we have this day. Will we honor God with thanks today, Thanksgiving Day?
Prayer
Bless the Lord, O My Soul and forget not all His benefits. (Psalms 103:2) Amen.