You’ve got to be Kidding

In Luke chapter 17 we are introduced to ten lepers who desperately need a miracle. When seeing Jesus, they cry out “Master have mercy on us.” Immediately he addresses their need, gives some specific instructions and sends them on their way. As they continue their journey suddenly they realize they are healed. Although all of them make the discovery only one returns to give thanks for what has happened in his life. Quite a story isn’t it? The amazing thing is not that they were healed, but that only one took the time to stop and glorify God for the blessing. It’s at this point that Jesus shares a sense of disappointment by his statement, “were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine?” Most likely your thoughts and feelings are not that different from the Lord’s--“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Was this statement a mere reflection of disbelief? I don’t think so. More than anything else it was one of predictability. In my opinion the point of the story seems to be that the majority of people are too absent minded, too preoccupied, or too self-serving to stop and give thanks. We get but forget to give; are loved but fail to love; blessed but refuse to bless. What a tragedy it was for the nine men of this story to react in such a foolish way. But even more so, how ridiculous is it for believers who are the recipients of such a lesson to fail when taking the same test. Knowing that there needs to be a better response what instructions should we follow? Let me offer three that will enhance our demeanor. First, when given blessings in life whether it be at the hand of God or man always remember to say, “Thank you.” Second, be careful how you use the blessing bestowed upon you. Finally, make it last. Temporary blessings should result in permanent praise. Our sense of appreciation should not be a seasonal day we focus upon but should be as eternal as our healing, our joy, our peace, our satisfaction. May our actions never merit the response, “you’ve got to be kidding?”