One Of The Nine?

appreciation - One of the Nine?

Was no one found to return and give praise to God? Luke 17:18, NIV

Ten men—their flesh rotting and their extremities gone—were united by a common tragedy: leprosy. In desperation, these lepers cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Jesus showed mercy, and a new beginning was underway for them. He instructed them, “Go and show yourselves to the priest.” As they set out, the lepers were healed. As their flesh became whole before their very eyes, these men must have been flooded by many emotions such as bewilderment, ecstasy, and hope. But one man’s heart was overwhelmed by one emotion: appreciation.

The other nine continued on their way to the priest, but one reversed direction. He ran back to Jesus, fell at His feet, and with a loud voice praised and thanked the One who had made him whole. At this moment, his heart was fixed on one thing: expressing appreciation to Jesus.

In the next few words of this exchange, we gain a glimpse into the Savior’s feelings as well. As Jesus gladly received the man’s thanks, we hear disappointment as well. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”

Did Jesus really wonder if the other nine had been cleansed? Of course not. Was this a trick question for the grateful leper? No. Our Savior’s words reflect His disappointment and sadness. He had given renewed life and freedom to ten men, yet only one came back to show his appreciation.

It saddens me (David) to think about Christ miraculously blessing ten men and only one returning to show his appreciation.

Then I realize that I am doing the same thing every time I neglect to show appreciation to my spouse, whom God has given me.

What can you do today to show your spouse appreciation? What would keep you from doing those things?