Stopping to Give Thanks
Scripture reference: Luke 17:12-19
It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures, and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur.
In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 KJV)
We should also not overlook the importance of the manner in which the Samaritan offers his thanks. We are told that the man "fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks." The man did not just say, "Hey, thanks, dude," and go his merry way. The Samaritan, one from outside the designated kingdom of God, got down on his knees and then went down on his face at the feet of Jesus. This gives us clear instruction on how we should offer our thanks to God for the blessings he bestows on us. Simply sitting with our heads bowed and our hands folded is really not enough, if one truly intends to live according to the teachings of the Bible. We should at lest be willing to kneel down in the presence of our Lord and Savior. For such was the behavior of a Samaritan.
Recognizing that we are greatly blessed, taking time to give thanks for all our blessings, and being humble enough to kneel down to give thanks and praise to God through Christ Jesus should be common behavior among all Christians. For the last thing we should discern from this passage is that receiving thanks from us really matters to Jesus. He asked, "Where there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" He was probably hurt by the fact that those who should have automatically given thanks to their God just went on their way. The simply thought of their joy and their pleasures, and did not give even a brief moment of thought to thanking God for what He had just done for them. This is the kind of behavior we must work to avoid. For in the fast paced, drive-through life we live, it is far too easy to receive a blessing, offer a quick "Praise God!", and go on our way. We really should take time at some point during the day to actually kneel down before our great gracious God, and properly give him the thanks and praise He deserves in the fashion depicted in the Bible. Remembering to give God thanks in the manner that matters to Him will ensure that the wonderful blessing and bounty of His grace continues to flow to us.
May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Comments