Luke 17:11-19 tells the story of the ten lepers. In biblical times, anybody considered leprous was forced outside the gates of the city because of this highly contagious disease. They were shunned by their friends and family. The Bible said the 10 lepers were male, so they may have been married with children. How long had it been since they held their wives in their arms or played with their children. How long had they not been in the temple to worship? Not only had they lost the very things that was dear to them, but they were shunned and ostracized by mainstream society. They were considered unclean and even had to warn any passerby by covering their face and proclaiming "unclean." How humiliating that must have been. In today's world, this person would surely have been on some anti-depressant medicines to help them deal with this sickness. But one day, something happened. Jesus passed through. They cried out to Him and asked Him to have mercy on them. Jesus told them what to do and all ten did as they were told. Miraculously, all ten lepers were healed. Considering that leprosy was probably a death sentence back then, they were probably ecstatic. These ten lepers were given a second chance in life. The Bible says that one leper looked at his healing and turned back, fell on his face, and glorified God. One. Only one. It is easy to judge the nine other lepers, but how easy do we forget what God has done for us?
My prayer is that I would be that one.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Psalms 43:4
This is so fantastic! Not only did the title grip me, but you wrapped it up so elegantly. And SUCH a great message. Thank you for this!
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