Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 17:11-19. Leprosy of course was a horrible disease to have in Jesus' day. You were quarantined outside the city. When others would approach you were to yell "unclean" to declare you disease to others and keep them from getting close to you. It appears in this instance that a group of Samaritans and Jews had formed a small leprosy colony together. 

Its amazing what it takes to break down racial lines. Its sad but sometimes were more human when our bodies are full of sickness or disaster has struck. We seem to set aside the petty things that divide us. These men had been taught to hate each other growing up but when you have no one and you're rejected by society the common ground of leprosy can be the start of a friendship.

Jesus pointed out yesterday that faith as small as a mustard seed - in the soil of God - can do incredible things. It is faith in God not ourselves. Today we see other characteristics of faith. Faith led to this man's healing - v. 19 and caused him to return praising God.

What is the connection between faith and praising God? The other 9 obviously had faith to be healed v. 14 but the Samaritan was praised for a different level of faith. All ten took Jesus at his word and started on their way to the priest. Faith almost always starts moving before it sees results but also faith leads us to worship the giver not the results.

This man had become stronger through trials as a leper. He had turned his heart to God and realized he truly needed a faithful Lord. Perhaps the Jewish men who didn't come back thought that their national heritage earned them to the right to be healed. Perhaps they had  a sense of entitlement but not the Samaritan. He has no shame - "he...came back.. praising God in a LOUD VOICE. He THREW himself at Jesus' FEET." He didn't care who saw him. He didn't care if he got dirty. He knew the truth about himself - he was poor and wretched. He knew the truth about God his was mighty to save and full of love.

How quick are we to worship when blessed? Have we taken God for granted? How shamelessly do we throw ourselves on God to give him the honor He deserves? There is a level of faith that believes in praying for healing and their is a level that can't stop worshiping God for the amazing things he's done. Read I Peter 2:9-11. We were created to praise God and make him known. He doesn't heal us and bless us simply so we can enjoy our families and get back to our lives. He blesses so others can learn about him as we praise him for blessings us!

questions

1) How can you be more intentional about thanking God for what he has done?

2) How might that affect your family, co-workers?

3) Now get specific - what is something God has done for you recently? How can you share Christ with others in your praise of what he has done?

prayer