THE THANKFUL HEART

In Luke 17:12-14b, 15, we read: “Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!' He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of then, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving thanks. And he was a Samaritan.”


“Grandfather, why did only one of the ten lepers come back and thank Him?”

“We're like that, Timmy. Not many of us have thankful hearts. We ask when we’re in trouble but don’t take the time to thank the Lord.” A knock at the back door interrupted them.

“I”ll get it,” Timmy opened the door. “Johnny. What happened to you?”

“Come in, Johnny,” Grandfather said, pulling on his right ear lobe, ignoring the bruise on Johnny’s face. Timmy knew the signal. Ask no questions.

“Would you join Timmy and me for a snack? And bring in the others, too.” Heads down, his two little sisters, five and three years old, followed. Seating them at the kitchen table, Grandfather made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and poured glasses of milk.

“I’m so glad to see you, Johnny. And you, Susan and little Lilly.”

“Grandfather, tell us a story.”

“Only if you’ll help me.” He looked from one to the other. With mouths full, each nodded. The story, in full Grandfather-story-mode, had them laughing.

“Guess we have to get home.” As Johnny headed for the door, Grandfather handed him a basket.

“A few vegetables from my garden. Had a large crop this year. Don’t want them to go to waste.” Johnny took the basket, nodded his thanks, but little Lilly ran to Grandfather, gave him a big hug.

After they left, Timmy threw his arms around Grandfather. “I love you. Thank you. But most of all, I thank the Lord Jesus who gave me to you.”

Kingdom Thinking. I don’t know which of the ten lepers describe you, but most times, I’m one of the nine--glad for what I get, but not with a thankful heart. The Lord Jesus healed all ten. He gave them a new life. He promises the same to you. He loves you and will never forsake you. Won’t you come to Him?