His Last Words (audio devo by Teresa Hampton)

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I saw a young woman on TV, about nineteen, auditioning for a singing talent show. They asked what it would mean to her if she won. Her eyes teared and she softly explained her challenging childhood. Her family often lived in shelters, hotels, and sometimes in their car. I cannot imagine what it would be like caring for that many children in cramped quarters with no bathroom. Then, smiling brightly, she said something rare and beautiful, “I just thanked God for our car!” The judges and listeners were stunned to tearful silence.

Worldly people do not understand gratitude so genuine. Sadly, there are some in the church who might find it difficult to have that measure of thankfulness during hard times. Nonetheless, God highly values sincere gratitude.

Jesus went through Samaria and Galilee on the way to Jerusalem (Luke 17:17-18). Ten men approached him and cried out, Jesus Master, have mercy on us!  He told them, Go, show yourselves to the priests. This was in keeping with the law given to Moses concerning one healed of leprosy (Leviticus 13:1-3).

The men did as He commanded. One man, however, walked back to the Great Physician, and with a loud voice glorified God. He fell down on his face at his feet giving thanks to him, and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus questioned, 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? Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.

Ingratitude causes some ugly things. It makes us forget what God has done for us. When the Israelites were in the wilderness, it was not long before they started complaining about lack of food and water. They forgot all that God did for them in Egypt—the astounding miracles in the form of plagues, God’s provision on the journey to the Red Sea, the cloud that guided them in front and the pillar of fire behind that separated them from the advancing army. The Psalmist wrote, He rebuked the Red Sea also, and dried it up; So He led them through the depth…They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness (Psalm 106:9, 13-14).

Ingratitude destroys contentment, which leads one to covet. The writer to the Hebrews said, Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Paul wrote to Timothy, Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

The good news is that ingratitude can be overcome with verbal thankfulness. The Psalmist said, Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever (Psalm 106:1) and Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! (107:15).

Jesus left us the perfect example of gratefulness. At the tomb of Lazarus, he prayed, Father, I thank you that you have heard me (John 11:41). Before eating meals and before instituting the Lord’s Supper, he gave thanks, He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks… (Matthew 15:36). Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you (Matthew 26:7).

It is true, ingratitude makes us forget the blessings God showers on us and destroys our contentment, which leads us into covetousness. But it can be overcome with verbal thanksgiving!

The sight of the young woman saying, “I thanked God for our car!” will remain in my memory bank for a long time. May each of us, during good times and bad, follow Jesus steps, our hearts filled and overflowing with gratitude!

Today’s Verse: Then David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle s the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

By Teresa Hampton

Audios available at http://christianwomanaudiodevotionals.abiblecommentary.com