ODJ: one in ten
September 23, 2010
He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for what He had done (v.16).
READ: Luke 17:11-19
Clouds of steam poured out from under the hood of my Saab hatchback. I pulled over and made a call for a tow truck. Minutes later, a man approached my car. He wasn’t from the towing company, but he said he could fix the problem. Reluctantly, I let the stranger hoist up the hood and peer underneath. He then proceeded to pour water into the car’s radiator. It worked!
I jotted down his address, intending to mail him a thank-you note with a gift. To my shame, however, I never followed through.
Jesus wasn’t thanked at all by nine of the ten men he healed from leprosy. While on His way to Jerusalem, they spotted Him and shouted, “Master, have mercy on us” (v.13). With just a simple command, Christ ended their isolation, renewed their flesh, and rescued them from certain death.
When only one of the ten returned to voice his appreciation, Jesus asked him: “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (vv.17-18). Apparently, Jesus notices thankless hearts.
Most of us shake our heads and say “tsk, tsk” as we consider the ingrates who took off after being healed. Still, as much as I want to be like the grateful one, I tend to mimic the other nine instead. My lopsided prayer life proves it—it’s heavy on requests for mercy and blessings, but light on gratitude.
If you’re like me, you may need to focus more on the Giver and less on the good things He supplies. We know that “whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17). So let’s follow the example of the “one in ten” who fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet and give thanks to God today (Luke 17:16). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Do you spend more time in prayer thanking Jesus, or making requests? What does it mean to God when we express our gratitude?
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