Be The One
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19
All ten of the lepers were healed, but only one came back to praise God and give thanks! Why was it only one who returned to Jesus? Yes, Jesus did direct them to report to the priest, but He never told them to do that before praising and thanking God. So, why did the nine not return to Jesus? Here are a couple of observations to this question.
One, people can be more concentrated on culture, traditions, or religion. The nine that did not return to Jesus after their healing were more motivated to fulfill the religious law. They sought the priests in order to be proclaimed clean, rather than praise the One who cleaned them. The rule became their priority, not a relationship with the One who made the rule.
Two, people tend to focus more so on what they receive, rather than on the One who provides. All ten lepers received physical healing, and most likely, they all wanted to return to their old lives. But only one recognized Jesus who provided and then returned to praise God. He was not aware of the tremendous gift awaiting him. But as he returned, he received much more than just physical healing. He was given a new life in salvation through Christ.
So, as you start your day, do not lose focus, or get distracted away from Yahweh. Our Father is faithful, and wants to provide, bless, heal, and restore in every area of our lives. But we cannot put other items or desires before Him. Remember to praise Him in all things, thank Him in all things, and worship Him in all things. Be the one who puts Him first in everything!