30/08/2024
I have been to school before, I have had the pleasure of being in the presence of both great and small " men". I have interacted with both the rich and the poor. One thing I have come to realize is that it's important to be grateful.
One of the best sermons I've ever preached and it speaks to my heart is in the book of Luke.
Luke 17 vs 12-19
"12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.14And 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.15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."
Ten men were lepers. Leprosy was considered a curse from God in those days... A disease believed to come about as a result of a dreadful sin a person commits. It's evident from the leapers crying for mercy when they saw Jesus enter the village.
Jesus was merciful towards them and he gave them a solution to their sufferings. But, Alas! Only one leaper returned to give thanks. It is also interesting to note that the leaper that returned to give thanks was a Samaritan.
These leapers were of mixed race. Jews and Samaritans alike. We all know how Jews and Samaritans are related in bible times. Some points to draw from this:
1. When we are faced with challenges and difficulties in life, we often forget who is Jew and who is Samaritan. God will allow certain challenges to befall us in order to unite us as a community, as a church and most importantly as a family. Could it be that those problems you are having are coming about because God wants you to reach out to that brother or sister or father or mother? The bible says, how can you hate your brother or sister who you see and claim to love God whom you have never seen. Stop lying to yourself child of God. It's time to breakdown those fences we have built and reconcile one to another and definitely we shall see Gods providence in our lives.
2. Let's learn to be grateful. Most of us have this sense of entitlement when it comes to certain things. Christians especially. When we wake up in the morning, when we finally get that job we have been eying, when we pass our examinations, when we win that game, when we receive that award, when we make it in life. More often than not we look in the mirror and say, "I deserve this. I've worked too hard for this. " Then we look down on those we feel didn't work hard enough as we did. Well, news flash, Deuteronomy 8:17-18 New International Version (NIV)
"You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."
You didn't do it. You don't deserve it more than the one who didn't get it. God did it. He was merciful towards you. So give thanks to God. Don't look down on others. And be a good steward. Bless those around you.
The story of King Soul and David has impressed me a lot. In your own time read how Soul became king and easily forgot who appointed him in the first place.
3. It's those we consider inferior, weak and useless who usually come through for us. Remember, it was the Samaritan who returned to give thanks, it was the Samaritan who picked up the stranger and paid all expenses for his recovery. Jesus was born in a manger.
The widow of Zarephath plays a small but important role in Elijah's story. She feeds Elijah in her home. Soon after, her son dies, and Elijah pleads to God for the power to resurrect him.
The leaper that returned did not only get healed, but he had his sins forgiven too. Most times we run away before God is finished dealing with us. The little blessings of mercy we receive cloud our Judgement that we even forget where they came from.
Thanks for reading. It was a long one but I hope it helps you to realize and appreciate the little blessings you get along the way.
Count your blessings name them one by one.
