15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.
All ten lepers were healed yet only the foreigner returns to Jesus with thanksgiving on his lips. Perhaps nothing floats God’s boat like gratitude. Being appreciative for all His hand has bestowed should come as naturally to us as breathing yet unfortunately, we often woefully fall short in the arena of gratitude. The cleansed Samaritan in our verses for today humbly throws himself at the feet of Jesus thanking Him for the cleansing. I am reminded of King David’s prayer of humble thankfulness to God over all God’s blessings upon his life. It is no wonder David is described as a “man after God’s own heart”:
18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD? 20 "What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign LORD. 21 For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. 22 "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 2 Sam 7:18-22 (NIV)
Indeed, there is no other god like Jehovah God! As His people, we should be in constant praise to the Lord for His goodness, love and faithfulness – benefits that endure from generation to generation. Paul tells us:
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
“We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in His Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives.” Charles Spurgeon
These are exhortations from the pen of Paul - through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - not just a bit of advice meaning, this is something we are called to do. If believers would take these commands seriously, there is no doubt Christians would be far more effective for the cause of Christ and have a far greater impact on our world for His glory. I believe our lack of implementing this verse is certainly one of the reasons we see so many powerless, defeated Christians today. As it is, we unfortunately often blend with the world – grumbling and complaining with no thankful hearts and no positive action. How enticing is that for a non believer to follow Christ if that is the ultimate result? Believers, this should not be! Remember Paul’s words to the saints at Philippi:
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 (NIV)
A good Psalm for us to dwell on regarding this subject is found in Psalm 100 - a Psalm for giving thanks:
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100:4-5 (NIV)
“Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.” Charles Jefferson
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melody Beattie
“Ungrateful people live under the deception that they are always entitled to more.” Wayne Cordeiro
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:15-17 (NIV)