Luke 17:11-20
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
No matter how often and how long I have studied the Bible, what continues to amaze me is how timeless the message of God’s word really is!! In the past couple of months, the office staff has been poring through stacks of paperwork and files in order to better organize the church office. Most recently, they have been cleaning out the vault. What they have come across has been interesting to say the least!
The most recent find was a box of consistory and trustees minutes from the 1930s to 1960s. In looking through this box, I discovered something very telling about all of us. Among the minutes were also countless letters written by members of the congregation, but only one was a letter of gratitude while the rest were letters expressing frustration, disappointment and even anger about situations or decisions that were made that the author of the letter did not agree. As I flipped through the letters, I recounted and yes, again I discovered only one was a letter of thanks.
Immediately I thought about the story that is told in the 17th chapter of Luke. Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one said thanks! Which begs the question that Jesus himself asks: Where are the other nine? Weren’t they grateful for what Jesus had done for them? The easy answer to get them off the hook would be that they just didn’t take the time to stop and say thanks.
But here is something I struggle with…why is it that most of us WILL take the time to pick up the phone, write a letter or seek someone out to talk to when it comes to something that we are upset about…but when things go well, when blessings are received, when someone goes out of their way to bring hope and healing, we cannot take the time to simply say thank you.
The story of the ten lepers challenges us each to think about whether we are more like the nine that went away without expressing their gratitude or the one who said thanks? During this Thanksgiving season, I pray that all of us will take the time to return and give thanks. Maybe it is thanks to a friend who has been there when you needed them most. Maybe it is thanks to a family member whose constant presence in your life is a source of strength. Maybe it is thanks to a coworker who makes the working day more enjoyable. Maybe it is a teacher, coach who has encouraged your gifts and talents. Maybe it is thanks to someone you hardly know but has done something to touch your life.
Take the time to express your gratitude and I promise that person will never forget that you were one of the few who took the time to say thanks.
Pastor Shana
Sundays @ 9:30am
10300 West 131st Street
(708) 448-7833
