The Tenth Man

“O Lord, I will praise You with all my heart and tell everyone about the marvellous things You do.” Psalms 9:1TLB

The story of the ten lepers found in Luke 17:11-19 offers many lessons for us. While Jesus is travelling between Samaria and Galilee on His way to Jerusalem, ten lepers keeping their distance call out to him. In like manner, Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the Priest. As they went on their way, one of them realising he had been healed – a foreigner (Samaritan), returns to Jesus praising God. Jesus asked how many were healed and where were the other nine men.

This story comes to mind whenever I think about the importance of having an attitude of gratitude. How often do I feel entitled to what I receive or what is my first response to answered prayer.  As I excitedly rush to receive what I’ve been given, do I pause and give God thanks?

We could say that the men were justified in going to the Priest as they were following the instruction given, acting in obedience to a command or maybe their intention was going to the Priest to receive their bill of health before returning to Jesus to properly thank Him. My question however is what is our attitude to begin with?

Upon introspection, I ask myself, do I feel entitled that God should answer my prayers? Do I take the blessings and favour He shows me for granted? 

I recall a time when I realised that God answered one of my prayers, as the Holy Spirit brought it to my recollection, I immediately began to praise God! Even now as I write this devotion, I reflect on my late grandmother Eleanor’s response at the death of her son and daughter to quote Job 1:21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb; naked I will return there. The Lord has given; the Lord has taken; bless the Lord’s name.”  I also think of my late friend Gentilia who always tried to keep a grateful peaceful attitude even in the face of death, to always thank her ‘Daddy God’.  

This story of the ten lepers was the catalyst for me intentionally thanking God for something each day in this, my birthday month. Some of the lessons I learned and gleaned are that:

God is eager to answer our prayers, to give us blessings and to seek out our good. (Matthew 7:7-8)

The blessing of peace comes through having a grateful heart. (Philippians 4:6-7)

We always have something to give God thanks for. (Colossians 3:17)

God desires our praise! (Psalms 22:3)

Maybe, because we see God as our parent, we take Him for granted.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Forgive me Lord when I have the attitude of the nine to run off to receive my blessings without first pausing to say Thank You. Help me to have the attitude of the tenth man, to stop and say Thank You Lord for all You do and are working out for me. I give You all the praise and all the glory. I will tell others of the good things You do for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Gratitude makes sense for our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie.

Sometimes I just look up, smile and say, “I know that was You God! Thank You!

Be blessed to be a blessing!

K.I.M (Kingdom Inspired Messages)

Author of K.I.M