“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.
Psalm 77:11 (ESV)
Series Focus: “Along the Way”
When was the last time you forgot where you left your glasses? Your wallet? What you walked in a room to do? I am guilty on all counts. It is so aggravating when these things happen, yet so relieving when we locate what we thought we’d lost. I hope I am not the only one who feels this way and also not the only one doing a “happy dance” when I find my lost item. I tell myself every time this occurs that I will never lay something down randomly again, but then life happens.
Misplacing an item or forgetting an appointment is rectifiable, but there are some things we never want to lose sight of. If you are a Christ follower, I would bet you have prayed or pleaded with God occasionally. Maybe it was for a friend’s health, a promotion at work, a better credit score, or a good test result. We ask the Lord for help in so many situations. You may be part of a prayer chain and have seen firsthand the needs around you and the mercies God provides. Can you remember the circumstances of every prayer you’ve spoken? Did you rejoice in every outcome? In our humanness, we can become consumed with the request, and tend to forget the One who answers.
Let’s look at an encounter Jesus had with 10 men who suffered from leprosy, illustrating this very tendency.
On the way to Jerusalem He was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when He saw that He was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19 ESV)
Maryann taught us last week about a man with leprosy who Jesus healed with His touch. In today’s scripture, the ten men had the same disease, but Jesus “spoke” out how they would receive their healing – “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” The plea—”Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” The outcome—complete healing/restoration. The men had only to walk toward the priests and the healing of their skin began. Can you imagine the relief? The joy these men had as they could return to their families and community must have been overwhelming! Yet, only one turned back to give praise to the Giver. A Samaritan, a foreigner as Jesus called him, thanked God, and praised Him on his knees.
I want to tell you that every time God has shown mercy, or provided my direction that I have knelt down and given Him thanks and praise. But, I can’t. I have most times, but I have forgotten as well. My heart longs to be like the man who turned back and acknowledged the graciousness of Jesus. I haven’t always understood the power of God, the way He answers me, or the silence He allows sometimes, but I have seen His faithfulness more than I can count. Even though it is more difficult to praise Him in the middle of our trials and sorrows, than in our fortunate outcomes, Jesus is always willing and He never forgets us.
May we remember to turn back and fall at His feet in gratitude and thanksgiving always.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Luke 17:11-19; James 1:17; Psalm 77:11; Psalm 108:4
