Gratitude: A Lesson from One Out of The Ten Lepers

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: October 14, 2024

Scripture:  Luke 17:15-16 (NIV) - "15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan." 

Devotional Thought

In Luke 17:11-19, we read the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. These men had been ostracized from society, suffering not just from their painful skin disease but also from the isolation that came with it. When they saw Jesus, they called out to Him, asking for mercy, and He gave them a simple instruction: "Go, show yourselves to the priests." As they went, they were healed. Yet, out of the ten, only one came back to thank Jesus for the miracle he had received.

What separated this one man from the other nine was gratitude. They all received physical healing, but only the one who returned to Jesus received something more—wholeness. Jesus told him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." This wholeness was more than physical recovery; it was a transformation that affected his entire being—body, soul, and spirit. Gratitude, in this case, was the differentiator between healing and wholeness. It was the key that unlocked a deeper blessing.

There have been times in my life when I have thought that some things didn't require thanks because they seemed so natural or expected. I thought, "This is something I've worked for, so why should I thank God for it?" But the truth is, everything we have comes from God. Even the ability to work, to achieve, and to earn a living is a gift from Him. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, "Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth." Gratitude is recognizing that every good thing comes from above, and it is returning to the Source with thanksgiving in our hearts.

Practical Reflections

• Cultivate Daily Gratitude: Every day, make it a point to thank God for both big and small blessings. The very breath you take, the health you enjoy, and even the strength to work are gifts that deserve recognition.

• Return to the Source: Like the one leper, make it a habit to "return" to God with thanks. Take moments throughout your day to pause and acknowledge His goodness. This simple act can deepen your relationship with Him and open you up to more than just blessings—it brings true transformation.

• Acknowledge God's Role in Your Success: When you achieve something significant, remember to honour God for it. You may have put in the effort, but it is God who gave you the strength, the wisdom, and the opportunities to succeed. Gratitude keeps us humble and reminds us of our dependency on Him.

Closing Thoughts

The nine lepers missed out on something greater because they didn't return to give thanks. Let us not miss out on the wholeness God offers us by neglecting to show our gratitude. Gratitude is not just a polite gesture—it is a life-changing posture of the heart. When we recognize God's hand in every aspect of our lives and thank Him, we experience not just healing but wholeness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings in my life. Forgive me for the times I have taken Your goodness for granted. Help me to be like the one leper who came back, who understood that gratitude was key to a deeper blessing. Open my eyes to see Your work in my life every day, and give me a thankful heart that honours You always. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.