Want to take a quick self-evaluation? Take a moment to read Luke 17:11-19.
Did you do it? Good! Which group are you in? The one or the nine?
Did you notice the reaction of the one? There are a number of things that he did. He:
- Turned back (repentance)
- Praised God with a loud voice (shamelessly crying out to God)
- Fell on his face at Jesus' feet (submission)
- Gave thanks (gratitude)
According to Jesus, this man was not merely physically healed, this man was saved! The man's faith was genuine. His faith was in the One who had the power to help him. This man did not hold on to his own life, but placed his life in the Master's hands. This man wasn't ashamed for anyone to know it, either.
This is what salvation looks like!
The reaction of the nine was very different, was it not? They happily received Jesus' gracious gift, but then were in such a hurry to get back into the mainstream of life that they did not consider it worthwhile to stop first to give thanks where it was due. They wanted to get to the priest, get ceremonially cleansed, and get back out there into the world! They were content with the temporal benefit and had no concern for the One who gave it to them. They did not love Him!
Folks, our gratitude (or lack thereof) for what Jesus has done for us is an indicator of our faith in and our love for Him. If we examine ourselves and find that we do not regularly give Him thanks and we do not regularly give praise to Him, then something is off.
Do not be content to merely accept His mercy and grace toward you and carry on about your merry way. Instead, let those gifts draw you to Him! He is the real prize! Heaven without Him is not Heaven! Jesus is the One who we long for.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
Pastor Jeremy
