March 26-28, 2010
Luke 17
Pastor Farrell Lemings
Beginning in Luke 17:11, we read that Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem when he was encountered by ten men who had leprosy. Leprosy is a horrendous disease that attacks the body, causing the flesh to literally rot away. Beyond the pain of the disease, there was the challenge of isolation. Anyone who had leprosy was declared “unclean” and had to live separately from community.
As a result, the ten men that approached Jesus were in a painful, desperate place in their lives. As they cried out for mercy, Jesus directed them to go and show themselves to the priest. They were healed as they went on their way, yet only one returned to give thanks. Where were the other nine? Why did they not return to give thanks for the miracle that had taken place?
Often in the busyness of life, we can be like the nine lepers that did not return to give thanks for their healing. We can take for granted the blessings that God has given us.
As Christ-followers, our lives should be marked by thanksgiving. We have been saved from our sin, blessed in many ways spiritually and physically and we have the promise of heaven. Don’t allow complacency or busyness to rob you of the opportunity to give thanks.
Two of Lead Pastor Farrell Lemings’ favorite scriptures are: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) and “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
