11 As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12 As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. (Luke 17:11-14)
It’s incredible how quickly we let thankfulness pass through us. What we love today, is normal tomorrow. In this story, Jesus heals ten men. Of course, there are multiple healing accounts in the Gospels and countless times it says He healed many at once. This time is peculiar because He essentially finds a leper village, heals them, and the author gives us the exact number. You would think being healed from such a great and obvious affliction would make these ten instantly grateful. But the story continues:
15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” (Luke 17:15-19)
One. That’s all Jesus gets. His miracle of ten changed all but impacted only one. How often can we relate to the other nine? How quick we are to dismiss today’s provisions for tomorrow’s desires. The power of our faith is not found in miracles, for these happen on the regular in a life lived for Christ, but in our focused effort to see God in all and see all as a part of a bigger God orchestrated plan. Jesus is moving whether we recognize it or not. This “one” got a unique connection to the Kingdom granted to him, and he took full advantage. We must not be quick to dismiss the fact that this man was a true outsider. He was far from the religious order as a Samaritan. He didn’t fit. He didn’t belong. I have a suspicion that this could be true today. Those outside dormant church walls may have a deeper theology and understanding of the character of our Lord than we do. The Church, in a large part, is over Jesus.
So how do we live from deep gratitude?
Stop grumbling. In America, you are literally the richest in the world. Simply taking your first breath here, gives you incredible privilege. Our complaints are an attack on the character of a generous and patient God. A quick exercise in writing down all you are thankful for will humble you to your knees.
Understand that in this side of heaven, you will never have it all. We are light reflectors living in a shattered fog. From time to time we see Christ clearer, but the majority of our strides are met with deep sin – from us and others. If heaven were earth, we wouldn’t need redemption. Like this story, choose to be the “ONE”.
Lord, we thank you for you. We have been incredibly blessed here, help us to recognize it. May we live with gratitude no matter what circumstances we face. Give us the courage to be the one who turns your blessings into praise.
Matt simon blog 