When the topic is giving thanks.
Yesterday one leper turned around and thanked Jesus for an unexpected, although requested, healing. A blessing that fell right out of the sky, so to speak. A blessing that, somehow, these 10 lepers thought Jesus was able to grant. A blessing that moved them from the lost land 'in-between' (in that region between Samaria and Galilee; not in the city, not in the wilderness; not a member of their family but not a family on their own)....and restored them to a life they longed for and remembered from the time before.
And only one turned to Jesus to give thanks. Why one? Why him? Why not the other nine? I don't know. I only know that the one who gave thanks was twice blessed. This one forever cemented this blessing of healing in this world with the mercy of God for the whole world. This one multiplied his joy by sharing the wonder of his healing with the merciful one who was the healer.
Why is it so many folks only hear scolding in this story?
Why does this story convict so many people of falling short of God's glory?
Perhaps because they see themselves too clearly?
Perhaps because it is speaking the truth of our lives, we are so lost in our own story that God is forgotten?
Isn't Jesus inviting all to experience the joy that comes from giving thanks? Isn't Jesus inviting all to draw near to God, acknowledging with our thanks the blessing and joy that comes from the hand of a merciful God? Why can't they hear invitation? Why can't they hear the joy God shares with those who share their thanks with God?
Try it today. Give thanks. For one thing. A small thing even. See what happens.
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