Thanksgiving

Week of November 29, 2024

15 “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16, NKJV)

Thankfulness is foundational to the Christian life. Thankfulness is a response that comes from looking at our blessings and realizing who the source is. We have much to be thankful for.  We are forgiven from our sin, saved for eternity, and we are children of the Most High God. There could be no better reason for a grateful heart.

Lepers in Jesus’ day were social outcasts. Ten lepers came face to face with Jesus and they pleaded for Him to show them mercy. Jesus said go show yourself to the priest. As they obeyed, they were healed. These men had been ostracized by the very people they loved. Can you imagine the joy that must have filled their hearts as they realized their healing?

One of the lepers, a Samaritan, came back and thanked Jesus. Samaritans were normally shunned by the Jews, but Jesus healed him, too. He asked this Samaritan where are the others? Ten had been healed. Ten were filled with joy. Ten would be reunited with their families. But only one considered the source of the blessing and stopped to give thanks.

We have been spiritually healed, for those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior. We are free to enjoy the Christian life. We must not make the mistake of the nine and rush off so quickly that we forget the source of our blessing. No, we will remember this Thanksgiving and give thanks to our Most High God.

God Bless, Pastor Rick