By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 17:15-19 "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? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” - NIV
They were ten lepers. They all cried out to Jesus to heal them as He passed between Samaria and Galilee. As they went to the priests to show themselves, they were all healed. The foreigner, a Samaritan who felt he didn’t deserve the healing from a Jewish Messiah, was so grateful. He returned to give thanks. Those who probably felt it was their ‘right’ to be healed by their fellow Jewish teacher simply continued their way.
When people feel entitled to certain things, they cease to be humble, and grateful. They will place demands, fight and arrogantly push their way. This was probably the attitude of the nine healed lepers. Their pride made them think returning thanks was stooping too low. Moses reminded the Israelites that the privileges they would enjoy in Canaan land was not that they were more righteous or favoured than the nations they displaced. Rather, it was entirely by God’s grace.
Nothing we could ever do makes us deserve God’s blessings because we were all sinners. Whatever He does for us is out of His grace and not an entitlement. We should ever be grateful. Even with privileged positions and possessions, let’s cease from arrogance and learn to appreciate God and those at our service. It’s all by God’s mercy and grace!
Deuteronomy 9:6-7 "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the Lord your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord."
Shalom children of God.