Word@Work Luke262 - Luke 17:15-19
Published: Thu, 12/23/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ENOUGH FAITH TO THANK AND PRAISE
Luke 17:15-19 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "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." (NIV)
Ten lepers had been healed, but only one came back to Jesus to say 'thank you'. Although Jesus had told them all to report to the priest, to confirm that all evidence of skin disease had gone, one of them decided to come back to thank Jesus. He knew that Jesus had made him clean and was compelled to express his gratitude. Falling at the Master's feet he gave thanks and worship - he held nothing back. Initially he had shouted out for mercy, now he shouted his praise. It made quite an impression on the disciples, especially as he was a Samaritan.
In those days, Samaritans were considered 'religious lepers'. They had no right to worship at the temple and the Jewish religious leaders had no time for them: they thought God had no time for them either. So when Jesus healed this man, God reached through all the obstacles of his background, circumstances and disease to liberate this man to worship with a full heart. And Jesus gave him the priestly blessing, for He was the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The mercy and grace which come to us through the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus is truly wonderful; but how often are we as grateful as that Samaritan? Either we fail to realise the enormity of our sins, or the magnitude of His grace: but grasping the significance of both at the same time should stir our hearts in overflowing praise. Mary the mother of Jesus experienced that joy (Luke 1:46-55), so did the shepherds (Luke 2:15-18), and the wise men (Matthew 2:9-11). At this season of the year, stop and consider how great is the salvation which has been lavished on you - and give praise to God for all that Christ has done for you!
Prayer: Most merciful and loving God. Thank You for the riches of Your grace; for being merciful to me, a sinner; for welcoming me to worship You as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. Forgive me when I am so immersed in all that I have to do, that I fail to reflect on the depths of my unworthiness and the heights of Your salvation. Forgive me when I presume on Your kindness and assume that I have arrived at this day by my own efforts, skill and wisdom. Teach me afresh the wonder of Your merciful grace towards me and free me from any shackles that prevent me from being full in my worship and adoration. Thank You so much for Jesus Christ who came into this world to save me! Help me to give You praise through my lips and my service, not holding anything back from exalting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Ten lepers had been healed, but only one came back to Jesus to say 'thank you'. Although Jesus had told them all to report to the priest, to confirm that all evidence of skin disease had gone, one of them decided to come back to thank Jesus. He knew that Jesus had made him clean and was compelled to express his gratitude. Falling at the Master's feet he gave thanks and worship - he held nothing back. Initially he had shouted out for mercy, now he shouted his praise. It made quite an impression on the disciples, especially as he was a Samaritan.
In those days, Samaritans were considered 'religious lepers'. They had no right to worship at the temple and the Jewish religious leaders had no time for them: they thought God had no time for them either. So when Jesus healed this man, God reached through all the obstacles of his background, circumstances and disease to liberate this man to worship with a full heart. And Jesus gave him the priestly blessing, for He was the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The mercy and grace which come to us through the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus is truly wonderful; but how often are we as grateful as that Samaritan? Either we fail to realise the enormity of our sins, or the magnitude of His grace: but grasping the significance of both at the same time should stir our hearts in overflowing praise. Mary the mother of Jesus experienced that joy (Luke 1:46-55), so did the shepherds (Luke 2:15-18), and the wise men (Matthew 2:9-11). At this season of the year, stop and consider how great is the salvation which has been lavished on you - and give praise to God for all that Christ has done for you!
Prayer: Most merciful and loving God. Thank You for the riches of Your grace; for being merciful to me, a sinner; for welcoming me to worship You as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. Forgive me when I am so immersed in all that I have to do, that I fail to reflect on the depths of my unworthiness and the heights of Your salvation. Forgive me when I presume on Your kindness and assume that I have arrived at this day by my own efforts, skill and wisdom. Teach me afresh the wonder of Your merciful grace towards me and free me from any shackles that prevent me from being full in my worship and adoration. Thank You so much for Jesus Christ who came into this world to save me! Help me to give You praise through my lips and my service, not holding anything back from exalting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Please note that the Word@Work team are on holiday over the Christmas season and the next devotional will be sent to you on Tuesday 4 January 2011. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and joyful New Year!
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