Two Little Words
Opening Prayer
Consciously turn your mind to Jesus as you open his Word. Ask him to help you hear him now.
Read Luke 17:11-19
[11] Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. [12] As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance [13] and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” [14] When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. [15] One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. [16] He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him-and he was a Samaritan. [17] Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? [18] Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” [19] Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What disappointed Jesus in this situation?People often called out to Jesus, wanting something from him. His response was always immediate, gracious and always went to the heart of the problem. If only I could be more like that when people call on me to do things! All of the ten men in this story began positively. They exercised their faith, first by calling out to Jesus, then by listening to him and doing what he told them. They were healed as they walked away. But only one man showed that he really understood what Jesus had done for him. He was an outsider, a Samaritan, yet he knew that Jesus had transformed his life, healing him and enabling him to rejoin his community. He turned and came straight back, overflowing with praise and thanks. Not everyone reacts positively to all that God is doing. In fact, most of us don’t, most of the time. Maybe we’re afraid, or we don’t understand what’s happening, especially if what God does pushes us beyond our comfort zone. For those who respond with thanks and praise, the reward is coming closer to Jesus.
Apply
Would you like to come closer to Jesus? Start by thinking of things you can thank him for.
Closing prayer
Draw me closer to You, Lord. Help me to see and be thankful for all You’ve done and are doing.
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