November 24, 2021

“While traveling to Jerusalem, he passed between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he told them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And while they were going, they were cleansed. But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at His feet, thanking him.” – Luke 17:11-16

How could someone who is instantly cleansed from a horrible disease not be thankful? That is the question I always asked when reading the story of the 10 lepers in Luke 17. They received this incredible miracle that would completely change their lives and rescue them from their status as permanent outcasts from society. How could you not be thankful for that?! Well, the truth is, I believe every single one of those lepers was incredibly thankful. I’m sure they didn’t just go on their way not giving it another thought. They probably ran and gave hugs to everyone they knew now that they were no longer “unclean.”

So, what was different about the one leper? Even though all of them were thankful, he thanked God. When we say “thankful” we often just mean we feel excited or blessed. “Thankfulness” is often just an emotion. But true thanksgiving must have an object to which our thanks is directed. This one leper was not only excited to be healed, but he gave glory to the one who healed him. This Thanksgiving season doesn’t just talk about how blessed you are. Make sure you give thanks, and glory, to the One who has blessed you.

Thank You Heavenly Father and Almighty God for Your unfathomable blessings in our lives. Thank You most of all for the healing we have received through Jesus Christ!

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon