Luke 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
These words of Christ were spoken in reference to the ten lepers who had just been healed of their terminal disease, one of whom had remembered to return to thank God for His kindness, while the other nine received His blessing of health without even showing any gratitude. Back then there was no known cure for leprosy, and those who were suffering with the highly infectious disease, were compelled to warn their fellowmen not to come near to them, lest they also become infected. It was the equivalent of someone having bird flu in our day, being forced to announce to the public wherever they go, that they are infected with the deadly virus, a mandate that will obviously cause major embarrassment.
It was under these dire circumstances that Christ exercised His power to heal, and afterward sent them to the priest to have their miraculous cure certified, but sadly, only one of the ten lepers returned to thank God for the blessing of restored health.
Many people read this story and say in their minds that the other nine lepers showed great ingratitude by not remembering to give God the praise for His kindness towards them. Yet in our day, many people forget to thank God not only for the blessings of health, but also for the numerous bounties He showers on us each day. God's great kindness is manifested towards Christians and unbelievers alike, even though many people know it not. The Bible tells us that it is because of the mercies of the Lord why we are not consumed, and it is true that on numerous occasions God has intervened directly to save His earth-born children from major disaster that could wipe out hundreds of thousands of people in an instant.
For instance it was recently disclosed that two nuclear bombs had accidentally dropped on North Carolina in the 1960's when a B52 bomber broke apart in mid air. What is worthy of note in this discovery is that the reasons given why the bombs did not detonate are sheer luck and chance, and the providence of God is never brought into the picture. We often chalk up our good fortunes to chance or human skill and wisdom, while God is not acknowledged for His mercies that are renewed to us every morning.
As it pertains to our national security and our personal well-being, the Bible gives us some insights as to who is really working behind the scenes to protect this great land of ours. Let's read:
Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Psalms 33:16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
As we go about our daily duties, driving upon the roads, and shopping at the various malls, we know for certain that there are those who are actively plotting the demise of their fellowmen, and thus we should often stop by God's throne to say "Thank you Lord" for another day of life. Let us not like the other nine lepers, who were in the majority, just live our lives without acknowledging God's kindness towards us from day to day, but let us rather often praise Him for His manifold blessings and mercies he bestows.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which shows our total dependence on God for everything, and may God grant to us His grace so that the appropriate response of praise and thanksgiving would be our experience. Let's read:
Psalms 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Let's praise God from whom all these blessings flow, for He is worthy to be praised. "Good night" and God bless!