Gratitude and Devotion

JESUS SPEAKING

   Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So, when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was, that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So, Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 17: 11 – 19)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Leprosy was a highly contagious disease that condemned the infected to live in isolation and despair. As a group of ten lepers stood afar off, they begged Jesus to heal them. In response, He sent them to the priests to be examined and considered fit to rejoin society. As they journeyed they were healed. Although all ten had been restored, only one man returned to praise and honor Jesus; revealing that he alone had undergone an inward transformation as well.

Concerning gratitude, there is another account in the gospels of a man named ‘Bartimaeus.’ From what we know, he was a blind beggar who, upon hearing that Jesus was near, cried out to Him. Having been called forward, he begged Jesus to restore his vision. Jesus responded saying, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” He was immediately healed and received his sight. Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy he began following Jesus along the road.

Those who have been healed and transformed by God will return to honor Him with gratitude and thanksgiving. Genuine faith will also produce a devotion to following Jesus wherever He leads. Practically, we can honor Him through our praise, worship, and expressions of thankfulness. By means of His power may we always hold Him close.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are eternally grateful for Your healing and restoration. May we be filled with joy overflowing, as we praise and honor You in all things. Give us the strength to follow You wherever it is You are leading us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus name, amen.” God bless all of you!