“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” – Luke 17: 15-19

Luke tells of the encounter Jesus has with ten lepers who cry out for mercy.  Jesus orders them to go to the priest and on the way they are all healed.  When this is discovered only one of the men returns to Jesus to give thanks and to praise God.

How often do you cry out to God for help?  Maybe it is a little thing like, “Lord, I have been trying to find a parking place for a half hour, help me?” Or maybe it is a bigger thing, “Lord, why is it he doesn’t see the wrong he is doing? Lord, help him to do what is right.” Or maybe it is an even greater issue.

This passage raises the issue of how we respond as recipients of God’s blessing.  If our response is only to receive the blessing and enjoy the benefit it brings, then we miss the point of God’s intervention.

God intervenes into our world to bring blessings, but even more so, to bring us to His feet in praise and adoration.  God’s intervention is to lead us to worship.

All too often we get caught up in the benefit of the blessing.  We are overjoyed by the relief we feel, the pain is gone – the issue is resolved – the relationship is restored.  In response, we enjoy the fruit of the blessing and then go on with our lives.

The leper when he discovers he is healed turns to the healer in homage, worship, and praise.  How do you respond to God’s blessings in your life?