Scripture reference: Luke 17:12-19
It
seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We
will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a
request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not
requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is
remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even
the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference
passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one
of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a
Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not
inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his
grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of
God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none
are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
(Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of
the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that
the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man
did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The
Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on
his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This
gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for
the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and
our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live
according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing
to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the
behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly
blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being
humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through
Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the
last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks
from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten
cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact
that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just
went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures,
and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for
what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must
work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is
far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go
on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to
actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give
him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the
Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him
will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace
continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Good Stuff!
Uncle SteveI agree brother, in fact I follow the same thought.
As I give thanks to GOD for providing, & guiding. I always can rest asured that HE knows my needs even before I do.PTL!
10:32 PM CST