Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 14, 15, Luke 17: 1-19.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,” – Luke 17:15 (KJVS).
In our bible reading passage on Luke 17, this morning, we saw how ten lepers came to Jesus begging for mercy and He was merciful unto them as he healed them but only one of them came to appreciate Him. Luke 17:15 (KJVS) states: “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,” He saw that his prayer was answered and he turned back to give appreciation to the one who answered his prayers. Others were more concerned about going to the priests to show themselves that they were indeed healed. How many times have you called upon God asking for mercy concerning your situation and circumstance and after God has answered that you go back to God to express thanks? Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJVS), “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” There are a few things to note from the action of the cleansed leper that gave thanks.
Firstly, he was observant. He noticed that there was a change in his appearance. He recognised that what he asked for had been granted to him. He was expectant such that as soon as his appearance changed, he was able to note immediately. Because he was observant and expectant, he did not need others to confirm his changed status before coming back to appreciate his benefactor. Thirdly is that he changed his priority. Instead of going to the priests first, he altered his course by turning back. Thus he placed Jesus above the priests. He recognised that the priests will only confirm what has been done by Jesus and so he placed Jesus above the men of God and therefore deemed it fit to change his course of action by turning back to go to Jesus. Thereafter, he showed his gratitude by a loud voice to God. He did not care who was there that may be listening but came to show God and those that may care to know that he was grateful to Him. He did it loudly so that others around may know the mighty work of God in his life and may also encourage them to seek the face of God.
Finally, he was not perturbed that others did not come to give thanks. Rather he recognised the significance of what God has done in his life and neglected peer pressure in appreciating God. And because he was grateful, God perfected everything concerning his health as the bible records that Jesus made another pronouncement on him. He got an additional blessing that others could not get. He was made completely whole. Luke 17:19 (KJVS) puts it this way: “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”
So many people are trusting God for various blessings but do not show gratitude for what they had gotten in the past and so what would have made them whole are not received. While you may not follow the stages of the leper we saw in our passage, you need to ensure that you show faith in God for your request, put God first in showing gratitude and be expressive to Him in that which He has done. When you show gratitude for what has been done, you are a candidate for greater blessings.
Action Point: Give thanks to God on specific things that he has done for you in the past and what you are expecting him to do for you.