On His way to Jerusalem one day, Jesus passed through the middle of Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a certain village, He met from afar ten men who were suffering from leprosy. They raised their voices and called, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”
Jesus said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”
It happened that as they were on their way to the priests, they were healed.
One of the men, seeing the miracle that had been done for him, turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. This man, a Samaritan, fell on his face at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him sincerely.
Jesus said to him, “Were there not ten that were cleansed? But where are the nine? None returned to give glory to God except this stranger.” He told the man, “Rise and go your way. Your faith has made you whole.” Luke 17: 11-19
Two men went up into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed this prayer: “God, I thank you that I am not as other men are; extortioners, unjust, adulterers….or even as this publican. I fast twice a week and give one tenth of all that I possess.”
The publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift his eyes up to heaven, but smote his chest saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Luke 18: 10-13
As we get together with family and friends this Thanksgiving….or even if we spend the holiday alone….let us be thankful to God for all He’s done for us. Many of us have been blessed beyond measure and yet we sometimes forget to say thank you. Maybe we need a special day to remember and take time to be grateful.
Many might feel they have little to be thankful for because of all the tragedies that take place every day. So many lives have been lost in so many horrific ways just recently that being able to look beyond the forest and see the tree….or beyond the hurt and feel the love, might be more than some can do. Let us remember to pray for those who are suffering that they might know beyond a doubt that, no matter what, God is still in charge and all things happen to the good for those who love the Lord.
As the Psalmist says in Psalm 121: I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. 2 My help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
On this Thanksgiving, let us do as the leper and turn back to Jesus, giving Him the glory and thanks He deserves for all the blessings we sometimes take for granted. Let us pray humbly as the publican did and ask for mercy in the times ahead and for boldness to share His love with those we come in contact with.
May you all enjoy a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.