Last week we learned about developing an attitude of gratitude through Luke 17:7-10. We’re continuing our study of Luke 17 this week with the verses 11-19.
We have to write our own story, not anyone else’s.
Our scripture covers the story of the ten lepers. Lepers weren’t allowed to be near other people. Social distancing in biblical times is what it was.
“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
Luke 17:11-13
These men were not the same. They came from different places, but they were all identified as the same, lepers. They were labeled. Just like we still label others today. Whether we know their past, their character or their hearts we judge people by the silliest things. We judge by the way they dress, how they talk, whether their family lives on the right side of the tracks or not, so to speak.
Shared hardships united them and they cried out to Jesus to have mercy on them. The church should be like these ten men. Everything that makes us different goes away when we are all alienated (isolated).
“Have pity on us,” they said to Jesus.
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
Luke 17:14
When they left Jesus, they hadn’t been healed yet. He told them to go show themselves to the priests (while they were still lepers) and they went in faith, knowing that they would be healed because of their faith in Jesus.
Stepping out in faith is what brings that faith full circle. He knows that you believe before you receive.
Jesus is working. Healing is accomplished in faith. They obeyed.
How often do you do this? Do you judge? Do you trust?
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “We’re not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 17:15-19
We read into scripture what we want it to say sometimes. Perhaps you think Jesus should sound angry with the nine who didn’t return to thank him. Do you always remember to thank him when he helps you? We have to treat each as a person. They all have their own stories, just as we do. What we assume about others says more about us than the other people.
We may look at bad things that happen to people are of their own doing when for us it’s just an outcome of our circumstances when bad or good things happen.
You are not your past mistakes. People don’t know your whole story. Keep coming back to give thanks. Be grateful in the circumstances.
Simply obey. God does miraculous things that help us to have faith.
Faith is optional. Jesus went to the cross when we were sinners. The invitation is still there.
Don’t be too proud to admit that you need him.
- Mind your own business
- Write your own story
- You are a new creation in Christ — put it on daily!
Thanks for reading my blog posts! The message is not my own, but I am so intrigued by each sermon when I get something new from the same scriptures. Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper, look a little closer or from a different angle. If my take on his sermon helps someone get the message they need, that’s why I write.
May you be blessed during this holiday season and may your Christmas be one filled with love and laughter.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 