Luke 17:11-19
The past year has been a very challenging one, almost synonymous to living the life of a leper. We have been forced in to lockdowns, restricted from various activities and our eventual return to normalcy seem to depend on getting vaccinated and/or observing certain new protocols.
In the Bible days, Leprosy had no cure. Those infected with it were banished to certain areas and forbidden from interacting with others for fear of its spread. They had to ring a bell and shout “unclean” if anyone approached them. They could not go to the marketplace and were forbidden to take part in worship.
In our text, ten lepers stood afar off and cried to Jesus for mercy Luke 17:12-13. Jesus gave them specific instructions to follow. They did, and were all miraculously cured of leprosy Luke 17:14.
But one of them turned back to praise God. What happened to the other nine that they did not consider coming back to thank Jesus?
Luke 17: 15-16 “Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.”
This particular Samaritan recognized God had delivered him from shame, disgrace, ill health, banishment and eventual death. He dropped everything he was doing and returned to thank and praise God with a loud voice. How often do we take the time to evaluate the things God has done for us, especially in a year like this?
Psalms 98:4 “Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Be cheerful and sing for joy and sing praises”
We are instructed in Psalms 66:1,8; 100:1; 81:1; Isaiah 44:23 to make a joyful noise to God.
Further, this Samaritan man fell on his face giving thanks to God Luke 17:16. This is clearly deep appreciation, worship, paying of respect etc for what God has done for him and his family. As a result, he was made completely whole Luke 17:19. Your praise and worship will make your miracles permanent and bring wholeness in every area of your life.
Child of God, why don’t you take a few moments and reflect on what God has done in your family this year, and like the Samaritan, come to Him with loud praises and worship.
Prayer point: Father help me to always remember your mercies towards me and my family, and to come to praise and worship you.