The Sound of Gratitude
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Giving thanks requires us to say it, does it not?
If someone opens a door for you, the common gesture is to simply say thank you. Although, sometimes, there are folks who refuse to do even that—yikes!
Gratitude is something spoken. It requires you to use your voice.
The man in this story is remembered not for his complaints, but for his praises—for his thanksgiving. This is the story of ten lepers being healed, yet only one returning to praise God. Where many would gladly thank God from afar, this man chose to return and worship at Jesus’ feet.
This led me to reflect on something: this man experienced the mercy of God. The Kingdom of God was made evident that day. I’ve heard it said that when a person receives healing, it’s the Kingdom of God breaking forth—a glimpse into a future world where sickness is eradicated.
Yet his healing was not the end of the story. The turning point was his return to give thanks.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
We don’t know this man’s name, yet he’s remembered not simply for his healing, but for his praise.
What will we be recognized for? What will we be remembered by?
What have you been voicing more than thanksgiving? Has bitterness or resentment been what most often comes out of our mouths? That’s not to say we can’t bring our honest prayers before God. Even the psalmists, known for prayers that often sound like complaints, always lead us back to a place of praise.
Fellow Christian—brother, sister—we have received a mercy that far surpasses this man’s healing. The greatest gift we have received is Jesus Himself. To place our trust in Him is to be saved, healed, and redeemed. Salvation is our story. And even beyond that, every sunrise and every breath in our lungs is God’s mercy extended to us.
And yet—when was the last time I gave thanks for oxygen in my lungs? The warmth of the sun? The sound of kids running down the hall?
Can I challenge you this week?
Would you be more vocal with your thanksgiving?
Would you cry out to Jesus and thank Him for the ways He has sustained you?
Would you remember the day you received Him—when you declared Him Lord of your life and He saved you?
I pray this Psalm would ring true:
Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
I pray joy would follow your thanksgiving as you remember that joy of being saved!
