A SEED OF LIBERTY

Jesus said, “………. where are the other nine? Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God.”  (Luke 17:18)

Jesus went all over Galilee teaching in the synagogue, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom and healing people who had all kinds of diseases and sickness.  One day after His teaching, Jesus was coming down from a hill, a man who was suffering from a dreaded skin disease saw Jesus and he threw himself down and begged Him, “Sir, if you will, you can make me clean.”  Jesus said, “Be clean” and at once he was healed.  Jesus had instructed him not to publish it, but go and get your purification process done to get approved by the priest.  Out of gratitude and the joy of his liberty, he shouted out and declared the mercy of Jesus and spread the news all the more widely.  Crowds of people came to hear Jesus and received healing from their diseases.  The work of a humble and gratitude heart could attract so many needy and oppressed to the Kingdom of God and to receive liberty. (Matthew 8)

On another occasion, Jesus went through a village where a group of people suffering from the same were living isolated. They might have heard about Jesus the Divine Healer and they waited hopefully for the coming of the Lord.  It so happened that as per God’s Will Jesus opened their way by passing through the village, where no one dared to travel.  They saw Jesus and shouted from far, “Jesus, Master, take pity on us.”

 Jesus looked at them and His heart moved with compassion and said, “Go and let the priests examine you.”  Gladly they started their journey to meet the priest and on their way they were made clean.  Among the ten, only one Samaritan was there and he saw that he was made clean.  Suddenly, he turned towards the Master who healed Him, praising God with all his strength and a grateful heart.  Soon he reached and fell down at Jesus’ feet and exalted by thanking Him. Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17)

Yes, dear ones how many of us can express true gratitude to God and to those who truly helps you in your troubles and comforts you at your sickbed.  Sometimes, God brings selfless people who voluntarily give up everything they need in their life for you.  How do you express your gratitude?

If one testimony could  attract so many to the Healer, how much more would be the multitude had those nine who received healing revisited Jesus and went to their own towns to publish the miraculous work of God?

During prayer services many people approach only with the intention of obtaining healing and favors for their particular situations.  After receiving what they desire from God, they go on their earlier ways without turning back to God or giving thanks to Him.  They get caught up in this busy life that they don’t understand who the God Almighty is and they underestimate His limitless powers.  God is just an instant magician or physician for them.

Lord Jesus knew all of them were healed.  In an astonishing manner and a heavy heart Jesus asked him, “Where are the other nine?” 

Can you feel the pain of Lord Jesus?  Why did the Lord express His pain? 

He knew that soon they will become victims of worst grieves because they received only physical healing.  The one who returned with a repented heart to say ‘Thank You’ received the final blessing of forgiveness of his sins when Jesus said to him, “Go in Peace! Your faith has made you well.” 

The pride and prejudice, the ego, taking everything for granted, will soon make you forget your past and tell you to disgrace and ignore the one who helped you.  To honor and respect as a good Samaritan who lifted you from the pit is not a disgrace, but through that you get a channel to go near to God.

How can you ever approach God again if you have not returned to inform Him ‘that I have received your healing or liberty only through Your mercy?’ What do you stand to lose if you say a word of thanks to your well wishers or  thank you to those who nurse you in sick bed or console you on seeing your heavy heart?  Nothing but only you can get rid of your guilt. 

The Bible says, “Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in Heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard.”  (Eph 6:9)

When you underestimate them, remember, that there is a God above to judge you also.  Regarding the guilt of man the Bible says, “God’s anger is revealed from Heaven against all the sin and people of evil ways prevent the truth from being known.  God punishes them because what can be known about God is plain to them, for God Himself made it plain.  Ever since God created the world, His invisible qualities both His eternal power and His divine nature have been clearly seen, they are perceived in the things that God has made.  So those people have no excuse at all.  They know God but they do not give Him the honor that belongs to Him nor do they thank Him.  Instead their thoughts have become complete nonsense and their empty minds are filled with darkness.”

So let us not neglect the mutual binding of tiny words like thank you, excuse me, please, sorry, etc. to spread our surroundings with the fragrance of love, peace and joy.  To own a healthy soul, mind and body you truly need these supplements daily which our God fearing parents infused in us.  Since we all wish to have a peaceful life, let us practice avoiding things that are hateful to God.

So be grateful and worship God in a way that will please Him with reverence and awe.  Similarly, when you receive a blessing be it great or small kindly make it a habit of putting across a word of thanks to honor God the Father.

Thank you, Abba Father for breaking the old habit, pattern and bringing me to a deeper conversion.

Thank you, for the plan for my life and creating me with a precious purpose.

Thank you, for blessing my life with Godly ancestors, parents, life partner, family, teachers, etc, etc.

Thank you, for all the ways you have assisted me

Thank you, for loving me unconditionally and giving me kind hearted people to comfort me.

Thank you, for supplying all my needs on time.

Thank you, for once again teaching me to practice good virtues and courteous manners and its importance.

Thank you, for goodness and mercy

Thank you, for taking me to hardship and brokenness so that I may search and find you

Thank you, for enabling me to forsake all my negative thoughts and giving me holy thoughts that are healing and uplifting me and others.

Thank you, for the wonderful gift of my life

Thank you, for the greatest gift of all, Your Son Jesus as my Savior and Ruler.