Thanksgiving
Day
28
November 2013
Luke
17:11-17
Only
one returns to give thanks. Were not all
ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Where there none found that returned to give glory to God except
this stranger? Jesus concludes by speaking to this foreigner, "Go your
way, your faith has made you whole".
They
stood at a distance. This terminal disease, leprosy, had not only brought them
together. From it they had formed a common bond. They each knew the outcome.
Theirs was a terminal disease. And without divine intervention, their common
bond would be their common end. They didn't have Facebook back then. There
weren't any inspirational posts for them to share as in, "I might have
cancer but cancers doesn't have me!" At least, they had each other.
To
be diagnosed with leprosy was more of a social pronouncement rather then
medical. Folks with Leprosy were suspect. Almost like AIDS victims a
quarter-century ago. Folks kept their distance, on a number of levels. A reason
wasn't necessary. everyone knew...they were dirty!
They pleaded for help. "Jesus, Master, Have mercy on me!"
That prayer Has been prayed across the centuries. "Lord, I believe,help
Thou my unbelief!" "lord, I am not worthy for You to enter my house,
yet say the word, and my servant shall be healed..." "Yes, Lord, it
is not right to take the children's food and toss it to the dogs, yet even the
dogs, eat the crumbs which fall from the Master's table." "Lord, help
me!" "Lord, remember me when You enter Your kingdom." " O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon
me, and grant me Your peace."
Kyrie Elision...Lord have mercy!
They
each went to the priest. They did this
at Jesus' command. Which must have sounded quite strange. You only went to the
priest as an affirmation that you were in remission. Only the priest could
verify that a cure had come. Only the priest could pronounce you "good to
go" Jesus commanded they go to the priest for He knew, in advance of the
miracle what would happen next.
Jesus,
the author of life planned out every circumstance for these men. Likewise, He
orders your day, He directs your path - regardless. Regardless of outward
circumstances, regardless of obstacles 'in your road', regardless of past
experiences and present details The Lord remains faithful. Each was cleansed along the way. No sooner
had they arrived at the Tempe they receive a clean bill of health. Restored,
redeemed, forgiven. And forever free.
Ten
were cleansed. Only one returns. All ten were cleansed. Jesus
treated them all the same. He healed every single one of them . There were no
exceptions. The Hebrew son and the Samaritan rebel were treated all the same.
God is no respecter of persons. There is no preferential treatment in God's
economy. How so? We are all equal. What
joins us together as one is our sin. "All have sinned", the
Bible teaches us. We're under the same condemnation and the same curse.
Yet
one did return to give thanks. Someone you might not expect. Yes, the
Samaritan. Jesus reminds us of his
status, one again, "and he was a foreigner!" A man, deeply hated by God's own people, is
commended. He is welcomed into God's family. He shares the same status as
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; sons of God, heirs to eternal life.
Finally, the savior says two things that are
rather remarkable. First, He says,"Rise and go your
way." That man hadn't done that in years. Go where he wants to, do what he
wants to, interact with those he wants to.
That's the definition of freedom! this man is free as he can move
without restriction.
Jesus
also says, "Your faith has made you clean/whole!" Even one such as this foreigner can possess
saving faith. Such a one as this is included at the Father's table. Who is the
Samaritan among you this thanksgiving?
How you answer this last question
says a lot of your perception of God and those who are in the kingdom.
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