Where?

By Lucinda Secrest McDowell | July 12, 2022 |

Jesus replied, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? No one returned to praise God except this foreigner?” ~ Luke 17:17-18

Leprosy is a horrific disease.

It’s easy to recognize lepers. They’re the ones missing noses, fingers, and toes. Because they can’t feel pain, injuries aren’t treated. Not only does this infection spread to other people, but it carries with it a huge social stigma. In biblical times, leprosy was considered a punishment from God for sin and bad morals.

But Jesus didn’t see a scaly disease. He saw the soul deep inside. The pain, the loneliness, the despair. And with a gentle touch, He healed ten lepers and offered them a whole new future.

Can you imagine how they felt—the relief, the joy, and the hope? The gratitude? With this encounter with a seemingly ordinary man, their lives had been extraordinarily transformed.

But only one person thanked Jesus. Where were the other nine?

Running to look in the mirror? Chatting up all those other people who had kept their distance? Making plans and moving forward? Instantly forgetting the One who took time to really see them and meet their deepest need.

It was, in fact, the foreigner among them—the refugee—who recognized that this gift of healing had come from a Giver. As he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him with loud praises, Jesus had a further word for him. “Get up and go. Your faith has healed you” (v. 19). Not only was the man’s body whole, but his heart was also now faith-filled.

I can’t help but wonder what the story would be if we revisited all ten men twenty years after their healing. Physical healing is one thing, but deep inner healing (the kind that prompts gratitude and faith) is what lasts for the long haul.

Do you utter a prayer of thanksgiving as soon as your prayer request is granted? Just as quickly and automatically as you shouted out your desperate need to God? Probably not. We always default to Help, but not always to Thank You for the help.

When Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, it was a Big Deal. People who were once doomed were now suddenly delivered from this fate. Their whole lives changed. Now there was hope and a future.

I hope Jesus doesn’t have to search for me when it’s time for gratitude.

BENEDICTION: My child, you are always on My mind. I know those places of pain—where you need healing. And I delight in helping to make you whole. I also delight when you share your joy with Me and others. Gifts are to be celebrated—don’t be left behind.

Every Blessing, Lucinda

“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 16 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” , “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most,” “God’s Purpose for You,” and “The Courage to Write.” (Purchasing my books here benefits me as an Amazon associate.) She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words weekly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com