This morning as I approached the doors of the school, I noticed there were 7 children behind me.  I opened the doors for them.  All of them were laden with packages for their Christmas party today.  One turned around and told me “thank you.”  It made me think of the ten lepers that were healed, all Jews but one, a Samaritan.

“And as He entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:  And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.  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.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.  And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks:  and he was a Samaritan.  And Jesus answering said,  Where there not ten cleansed?  but where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.  And He said, unto him, Arise, go thy way:  thy faith hath made thee whole.”      Luke 17:12-19

Leprosy is a dreaded disease, and these ten that had it. Under Jewish law they had to keep their distance from people so as not to spread leprosy.  They called out to our Lord wanting Him to have mercy on them, to heal them.  Notice that Jesus did not immediately heal them, but instead tells them to go see the priests.  Our Lord required of them to go and do as He had instructed, and then they were healed.  This is an example for those that believe faith alone will save.  Scripture teaches otherwise.

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works?  can faith save him?   If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them,  Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;  notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body;  what dot it profit?  Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say,  Thou hast faith, and I have works:  shew me thy waith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  Thou believest that there is one God;  thou doest well:  the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
James 2:14-20

Jesus’ response to the Samaritan teaches us that we should show gratitude to God, and give Him the glory for all of those things that He provides for us on a daily basis.

When we go to the faucet we have water.  When we go to the refrigerator, there is food.  A flip of the switch and electricity to light our way.  A touch of a dial and central heat and air.  Computers and cell phones for communication at the touch of a key board, transportation.   Innumerable things that our God has provided and so richly blessed us.  Give thanks for your family every day.  We never know what a day may bring forth.  Tell the people in your life that you love them, and in telling them, show them that you love them, and appreciate them.  Jesus taught that it was important, and in His Words.  “Go, thou and do likewise.”       Luke 10:37

“Give yourself entirely to those around you.  Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.      ~ Maraboli

Eileen Light