Luke 17:11-15
"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."
NIV
Each year our town hosts a formal English tea on the
Tarahne a historical boat from the gold rush era. Both my daughter and I pitch
in to help with the baking, preparation of savouries and serving for this
special event. This year after delivering our share of the goodies, we were each
given a beautiful little starter plant, nestled inside a pretty tea cup. As much
as we were pleased to offer our volunteer services without any reward, this
display of appreciation brought delight to our hearts.
The Psalmist writes over and over again that it is
good and right to praise the LORD, to give thanks to the LORD, to sing to the
LORD for he is good and loving and kind, quick to forgive, slow to anger and
abounding in love. Yet how often do we remember to say thank you, to praise him
for all he does for us. How quick we are to call out in need, but are we as
quick to delight him with our thanks and praise?
When only one of the ten lepers returned to thank
Jesus for the gift of his healing Jesus said to him, were not all ten cleansed?
Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God
except this foreigner? Then he said to him, rise and go; your faith has made you
well. Vs 17-19
Taking time to thank and praise God for his gifts to
us is not only good and right it is also to our benefit, for a heart full of
gratitude grows us in humility, as well as in reverence and faith in the one who
has planted the word and grace of salvation in our hearts, the healer of our
soul.
Prayer: Father God, we give you thanks and praise this
day for the glory of your name and our salvation in Jesus Christ. Bless us with
a spirit of gratitude for our relationship with you through the blood of the
lamb. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC
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