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October 30th

The bible reading today is in the book of Luke chapters 17:11 - 18:14

“On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17:11-13‬

Jesus was often met by people who wanted something from Him. Too many times I am turned off by those strangers who ask something of me. And then I'll remember Jesus and that I follow him.

Somewhere in the bible, we read...“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels without knowing it.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:2‬

Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem through Galilee and crossing into Samaria was one of those many times that he was approached by strangers. All other rabbis found a way around Samaria if they could. The land of half breeds wrought too many opportunities for devout Jews to be made unclean if they were accidentally engaged by Samaritans.

But rabbi Jesus was different. He didn't look at a person’s skin, a family’s history, or anyone’s religious affiliation. Jesus was in the “spiritual heart condition” business. So he went “everywhere” and preached the gospel of the kingdom of God...because the gospel was the power of God unto salvation for those who believed.

So Jesus was met by a group of lepers as he drew close to a Samaritan village. The story says that at least one was Samaritan and the rest could have been sprinkled with Jews and men of other nationalities from just about anywhere. They wanted the rabbi to heal them. “Master, Have mercy on us.”

Jesus saw His Father working there so he joined him in the ministry to the 10 men with leprosy. And He healed them of the dreaded disease.

He gave them his attention...his time...his resources...and his instruction. Surely they must have overwhelmed Jesus with tears and kisses and hugs and thanksgivings of every kind...these 10 healed men.

Well, one did. One showed gratitude. The other nine forgot to say thank you. They got what they wanted and forgot who gave it to them.

Before we blister the nine men with judgment, let us examine our own hearts. How long has it been since you and I spent time with “just Jesus”?...Talking and listening and expressing heart filled gratitude to Him for the cross and the great salvation he bestowed upon us?...when was the last time we truly and humbly sought to pay the debt of love and life we owe to Him through our obedience to Him?

Gratitude...O Lord forgive us for being so careless....even to the parents or guardians who raised us.

Maybe we have become busy and occupied with responsibilities and opportunities. And we have failed to appreciate those who gave us time, attention, resources, and encouragement to grow as children and adults.

Yes, our parents did their job, not perfectly perhaps, but we weren’t perfect children either. But God gave them to us, on purpose...to love and obey and respect, as long as we both shall live.

We are grown now and we don't need them the way we used to. But those facts don't give us the right to forget them.

May we be the “one” who returns in humble gratitude to shower our benefactors with praise and thanksgiving.

Have a great day