Sunday, 15^th October 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: WHERE ARE THE NINE?

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine?” – Luke 17:17

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why did the nine lepers who were also cleansed return not to give glory to God?

 

This time, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem and passed through Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11). Having entered a village, Jesus was met by ten lepers. Standing afar off, they cried to Jesus saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:12-13). In response to their plea, Jesus instructed them to go and show themselves to the priests. What Jesus asked them to do was that they should trust that they have been healed and therefore, in faith, they are to see the priests for examination and discharge. There was no sign though that they had been healed yet on their way to the priests for examination, they realized that they’ve been healed (Luke 7:14). One of the lepers, realizing that he has been healed, turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. He fell at the feet of Jesus, and gave Him thanks: and this leper was a Samaritan (Luke 17:15-16).

Beloved, isn't it surprising to realize that only one leper returned to Jesus to show gratitude? Jesus asked the leper, “Were there not ten lepers cleansed, but where are the nine” (Luke 17:17)? In other words Jesus pointed out that the nine lepers were only interested in getting healed; they never had a heart of gratitude. In a world where the needs of men are increasing and also changing with the speed of a rocket, gratitude for everything seems to be eroding out of our hearts. We have become so preoccupied with what we don’t have, such that we don't realize what God has done for us. A story is told of a man who was betrayed by an ungrateful friend. He went to him and asked, “How could you do this to me? Who picked you up from the gutter? Who gave you your first job? Who lent you money and bailed you out of debt?” His friend replied, “You did, that’s true. But what have you done for me lately?” 

This leper might have been an outcast for many years. He might not have seen his family for a long time. Instead of moving on to see his family or move on to the next challenge in his life to see how he can get it solved, he returned to God with gratitude. This is why scripture admonishes, “Giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20). Further, we read: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thes 5:16-18).

Precious one, no matter what state you are, you can praise and glorify God. You may not have it all but you have something by God’s grace. Ten lepers were healed, only one was grateful. That was not good enough. How grateful have you been this year to God for all His blessings in your life? You may have been grateful in prayer, thanking Him, not because you are grateful but rather it has been your method of starting your prayers every morning. Where are the nine? Choose to be grateful to God for everything, including your challenges because He will make them work together for your good. Again, "Be grateful!"

 

FURTHER READING – Luke 17:11-19

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Would you make time today to reflect on all of God’s goodness, giving Him glory for everything?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, I am eternally grateful. I thank you for being my God, and you making me your own, the sheep of your pasture. I thank you for the gift of life, what Christ has accomplished for me on the cross, the peace of God and also the things I am yet to receive from You. I thank you for who you are and for everything. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicle 5; 2 Chronicles 6; Ezekiel 41; John 7