Written by Jeff Irwin
As Jesus traveled through Samaria he noticed a truly pitiful sight. Ten lepers, quarantined from society, sat along the path outside the approaching village. Leprosy had caused these men to be outcasts, their disease destroying life and happiness. As he approached they shouted, hoping to catch His attention and the noise touched Jesus’ heart. He immediately told them to show themselves to the priests, which they promptly obeyed. On the journey the dreadful disease fell away from their bodies. One of the ten realized what had happened and quickly turned back to find the healer, the Savior of his life. He wept with joy and bowed at Jesus’ feet with a heart overflowing with gratitude for the healing he had received.
I often wonder how the other nine men felt that day. No doubt they realized just as quickly as their companion that they had been freed from the painful death sentence leprosy often meted out. I believe they were also thankful and ecstatic. But there was a clear difference between their thankfulness and the gratefulness shown by the lone leper who returned to Christ. (Luke 17:11-19)
Thankfulness is a necessary part of the Christian life. Blessings are abounding and it only takes minimal time to stop and realize what we have and what Christ has done for us. Unfortunately, many people don’t take time to appreciate the good in their lives and the thankfulness they feel is a fleeting emotion quickly swept away by the next event. My children are instructed to say thank you when receiving a gift or enjoying a good meal; however, they can be fickle, complaining about the desires that were not fulfilled minutes later. To be truly thankful you must continue past the initial feelings.
Gratitude is an attitude of the heart. It dwells deep inside and weathers the storms that so often arise in life. It remains steadfast when the emotional high passes. Jesus Christ died on a cross to satisfy the debt of sin generations had been continuously accruing. With the healing of our souls in mind He suffered tremendously. I am truly grateful every day for the eternal gift of salvation offered to all mankind. A recipient of the gift given by God’s son has no excuse to ever be ungrateful. Though trials and afflictions may seem so large, He has freed us from sin. Despite the negative events occurring in society, difficulties of the current economy, and a world seeming to be on the brink of chaos there still resides a place for true thankfulness.
Ten thankful lepers received healing from the incurable disease. One grateful leper earned a gift more precious than just a healing. Upon his return to Jesus, he heard the words “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:19) Jesus had already cured him physically. His attitude of gratefulness and humility earned him a spiritual healing.
