Lessons from the lepers
Luke 17:14-19 KJV
And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. [15] And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, [16] And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. [17] And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? [18] There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. [19] And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Comments
Three things are taught in this story:
1. The answer may come fast at times, or it may arrive slowly and in stages. ‘As they proceeded, they were cleansed,’ according to the Bible. You have no idea which step will lead to the answer, so keep walking in faith. The priest had to pronounce a leper ‘clean’ before he could be brought back into society, according to Moses’ commandment. Consider this: Jesus foresaw the change in these guys before it occurred—and He has the power to bring it about!
2. Don’t give up because you’ve been rejected by others. These men anticipated Jesus to treat them badly since they were social outcasts. However, if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (see James 4:8).
Are you dealing with a problem that has caused people to dismiss you? That is something Jesus will not do. “Whoever comes to Me, I will never drive away,” he declared (John 6:37 )
3. Remember to thank and worship God at all times. The thankfulness test was only passed by one of the ten lepers. Would you have been able to pass it? You will never go a day without thanking and worshipping the Lord once you realize how much your gratitude means to Him.