Lent Day 8 - One said thank you

‘He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.’ Luke 17:16

Read Luke 17:11–19

Jesus continued on his final journey to Jerusalem, and along the way he met ten men who all suffered from leprosy. The ten men called out to Jesus to have pity on them, and he did. He spoke to them, and he sent them on their way, and they were healed! It’s amazing! Of the ten, though, only one of them came back. He ‘threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan’ (17:16). It’s such a wholehearted response to Jesus, praising him and acknowledging who Jesus was and what he had done for the man. But Jesus noted that only one man came back, and the only man who came back and responded wholeheartedly was a Samaritan – a foreigner. What happened to the other nine? Amidst the other parables and teaching in this section, the account highlights the need for response to Jesus, back then and now, today. Have we responded wholeheartedly today? Have we said thank you? Have we fallen at Jesus’ feet, praising God in a loud voice, or even a quiet voice? Could we be more deliberate in this regard? I find this naturally hard but, recently, I added in a thankful habit. Whenever I walk around our neighbourhood now, I try to say thank you to God for his mercies, on every corner, or telegraph pole. There are quite a few telegraph poles! It’s actually changing the way I innately think. I wonder if there are ways that we can each continue to re-wire thankfulness? - -

Taken from A Time to Hope by Naomi Reed

A daily devotional that provides an accessible way into the whole Bible story.

Many of us have favourite Bible verses that we draw comfort from, but we don't always know their context or understand how they fit into the main story arc of the Bible.

Tracing the big picture of God's story through the key themes and events from Genesis to Revelation allows us to see the abundant riches in God's Word. As you read the unfolding story day by day, you can encounter God in all his glorious holiness and faithfulness.

If you have ever struggled to read the Bible from cover to cover, then this devotional will help you find a way in to God's big story and help you fall in love with Jesus all over again.


Pray

‘Lord, we are self-absorbed, and it’s easy to disregard you, or not respond wholeheartedly. We want to praise you today, exuberantly.’