Thank You

Thank you. Everyone appreciates hearing those words. However, many times although not always intentionally, we forget to thank those to who thanks is due. Although a common courtesy, the excitement of the gift often overshadows the giver.

Our Lord Jesus experienced that. In Luke 17 we see that Jesus heals ten lepers. Now just imagine. You are a leper, an outcast, set aside by society as untouchable. You look at yourself and your limbs are all but off. You are bandaged up and because of the lack of feeling in parts of your body you have several severe burns. Your life is a mess and your body is the same.

Then Jesus steps into your journey and heals you. Partial limbs become whole, gangrened skin becomes as soft and clear as a new born baby’s. A distorted face is made beautiful. What would be your first response? Well in Luke 17 we see that one man recognized the most important thing in being blessed, which is to remember to thank the giver of the blessing. But as we read, Jesus asked, Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17 NIV)

So often we focus on and are carried away with the gift that we forget and neglect to thank the Giver.

This morning let’s take a moment and pause. Take an inventory of the past 12 months or more. What has God done for you? What has He done in you? Have you thanked Him for it? Is the Lord saying, “Where is ________? Didn’t I bless him/her too?”

You might be saying thinking that you’ve asked God for many things this year and “none” of them seemed to happen. My friend, God did hear each one of your prayers and He has not forgotten you or turned a deaf ear to your request. Keep your eyes on Him and through reading and meditating on His word, hold fast to His character and know that He will do what will bring Him the most glory and you the most good.

We have an opportunity to bless the Lord today. Take a moment and think about all that God has blessed you with. Here are some to ponder; salvation, a future with Him in Heaven, family, friends, finances, health, a home, children, food, to name a few.

It has always struck me and has made a deep impact on me that God included this story in Scripture. To think that the God of the universe desires and appreciates being thanked makes me want to find at least one thing a day to return to Him and thank Him for. Join with me today and do just that! May He never look at us walking away and say of us, “Didn’t I bless them too….how come (_______) didn’t say thank you?

To Him alone be the glory,

Pastor MJ