Something to be Thankful For

Leading up to Thanksgiving, this is a sermonette I preached in my music ministry today. Thinking of Yeshua's (Jesus') words about the ten lepers he healed, it made me consider our attitude today. Luke 17:12 begins the account:

12. "And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

It was astonishing to him that only ONE out of the ten returned after being cleansed! This Samaritan wasn't even a member of the nation of Israel, hence Yeshua refers to him as a stranger. Other translations say "foreigner". The point is after seeing they were healed, only one acknowledged this miracle. Notice he came praising God with a loud voice. If you are going to whole-heartedly do so, that's the way! The Samaritan gave thanks to God and Yeshua.

How about us? We pray for something and then when we get it are we enthusiastically praising God in thanks? Think about the wonderful riches we already have in Christ. A real future for instance. Everlasting life on a paradise earth with Yeshua! Plenty to eat, no wars and friendly animals. That's just the start. We should praise Yah for these treasures every day and not worry about quickly fading material things. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says....
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Our Heavenly Father is worthy of our praise. He has also done something about death for us by sending His Son. We should rejoice always and give thanks for what God has already done. We can have faith that He will do all that He has promised in His Word! Here are a few words in closing from Brother John..."Jesus came to save the lost, heal the sick, and He is our intercessor. Those who walk in His way have a light before them and bless others. Sometimes I get turned sideways in the road and He never fails me even though I am unworthy of His love, He gives it freely. " Yes, we have much to be thankful for.

PRAYER: Gracious Father of all Creation. How blessed I am to know You and Your Son Yeshua! Each day I have reason to thank and praise You for my life and times are in Your hands. Make me grateful for the life now and that which is to come. Blessed be your Name forever!