Scripture: Luke 17:15–18, NCV
“When one of them saw that he was healed, he went back to Jesus, praising God in a loud voice. Then he bowed down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (And this man was a Samaritan.) Jesus said, ‘Weren’t ten men healed? Where are the other nine? Is this Samaritan the only one who came back to thank God?’ ” (Luke 17:15–18, NCV)
It appears that man is not grateful for all of the provision God has provided for living in this world. We often tend to be self-centered, focusing more on the negative rather than being thankful for what we do have.
It is counter-cultural to express gratitude and to have a thankful spirit. Most of the world is interested in asserting rights and demanding, “what is rightfully mine.” Many people want things to be freely given to them or to obtain them with a minimum amount of work. Our political system is built on who will give me more for free, taking from some in order to give to others.
The above encounter of the ten lepers with Jesus Christ reflects the attitude of most people in the world today. Only one in ten bothered to return to the Lord to praise and give thanks for his healing.
This encounter illustrates the fact that every breath and every heartbeat are sourced in almighty God. This is true of every good and perfect gift enjoyed by mankind. Scripture tells us God loves to be praised and thanked for all of his wonderful provisions. In fact, such expressions move God into action for those who do so.
The wise person will be sure to practice what the Psalmist said, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103:1–4, NIV).
Today, ask yourself:
Do I have a grateful heart? Do I praise God and express my gratitude to him for all his provisions?
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