The One Who Got More Than Healing
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”Luke 17:15–16 (KJV)
All ten lepers were cleansed on the road. Ten men went home with new skin and a new future. Only one turned around. “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks.”
We usually stop there and ask where the nine went. But look at what the one received that the others didn’t. Jesus said to him, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” The nine got healing. The one got Jesus, face to face, and was made whole.
That is what thanksgiving does. It doesn’t only say thank you for the gift. It brings you back to the Giver. Gratitude turns a blessing into a meeting.
As you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner today, don’t just count the gifts. Turn back to the one who gave them. You might find, like the Samaritan, that he has even more for you than what you came for.
Count it yourself
Ten lepers were cleansed (Luke 17:17). One turned back to give thanks (17:15). Ten minus the one is the nine Jesus asked about.
Do you thank God for his gifts and move on, or do your thanks bring you back to him?
Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have done for me. Let my thanks bring me back to your feet today. Amen.