Luke 18:28-30
Jesus had just told the ruler that the one thing he lacked to receive eternal life was to give up his wealth and follow Jesus. When he wasn’t willing Jesus had said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle. The raised a question. “And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
As pointed out, man cannot save himself. There is nothing he can do that will undo his sin. Only God can save him. The disciples have done what Jesus told the ruler, but perhaps there is still more they need to do to get God to save them. Peter raises the issue.
“Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” (Luke 18:28)
“We’ve done exactly what you said, but what happens now? How sure is our salvation? Is there something we don” know?” The disciples voluntarily left jobs, homes, and families to follow Jesus. It would be terrible to have given up so much and then find out they hadn’t measured up.
When people are afraid they will lose their job, whether because of company downsizing, or because of some unintentional infraction, they live with a huge load of stress, that affects their productivity. They often become like hamsters on a treadmill, exhausting themselves, with only a forlorn hope of accomplishing anything. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain their output, and they begin to look for something else.
Those who are unsure of their salvation or who fear they might lose it experience a similar anxiety, and many eventually drop out in exhaustion. Fortunately, we don’t have to live that way. I John 5:13 declares, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,…” I can be totally sure of my salvation. Unlike my job, there is no possibility of losing it, unless something is able to break God’s hold on me. I Peter 1:5 declares we “...are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Like a little child, I am to hold onto God’s hand, but my safety is based on the strength of his grip, rather than mine. Because of that Jesus could promise their salvation unequivocally.
“And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18:29-30)
Everyone who has made that commitment to Christ will receive his blessings in the earthly life, and also eternal life. Earthly efforts produce only temporary benefits, but as Paul advised Timothy, the results of serving God are sure and permanent. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.” (I Timothy 4:8-9)
We no longer need to live in fear, but can love freely. I John 4:18 declares, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." While fear is the initial reason for service, Love is the ultimate motivation. Fear indicates an immature love.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
It Costs Too Much
Luke 18:18-27
Many of the preceding lessons have been parables to teach the disciples basic principles. Today, we get to see a real example of what Jesus has been teaching. Many times the Jewish leaders questions were designed to trap Jesus. The ruler here seems to be sincere, and Jesus treats the question as being sincere.
“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)
Several years ago, a lady commented that she felt a little dumb asking questions when no one else did. One of the men overheard her and asked her to keep on asking the questions because lots of times he had the same question but wasn’t sure how to express it. Further questioning showed that many others felt the same way. That people ask indicates they are considering what they are hearing seriously. By asking, they commit themselves to listen to and think about the answer.
How we deal with the question affects whether they continue to think about what they are learning or just turn us off. Initially, he focuses the man’s attention on who is really speaking and why he takes his statements seriously.
“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:19)
If God is the only good one, then he is the only one qualified to answer the question. The opinion of some man on the street is of little value unless you know his qualifications. So what does God say? It is critical that they know what God said before we express our opinion. While Jesus is God, he made sure the man was aware that it was God’s command.
“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.” (Luke 18:20-21)
The man’s response indicates that he was sincerely trying to do what God had commanded, but had the feeling that something was lacking. He was right, but his error was the same that many people make today, thinking that serving God is a matter of mechanically doing certain things. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus declares that all the law could be summed up in loving God, and loving those around you. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
One can mechanically do all the deeds called for under the Law without any real love, just as a guy can buy a girl flowers even though he doesn’t care for her at all. With out love, the deeds lose most of their value, and as Paul says in I Corinthians 13:1-3, they are wasted effort, just as the man felt.
“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.”(Luke 18:22)
Jesus challenges him to change his attitude, and put God first, rather than his own goals. It is exactly what he said was necessary in Luke 14:26-27. “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Until God is more important than anything else, we will not be saved.
“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:23-25)
The man clearly wanted salvation, but he was not willing to give up his own life for it. He chose to keep his belongings rather than be saved. As Jesus warns, the more one has, the harder it is to come to Christ by faith.
Many old pueblo cities had very short doors, with the theory that an enemy would have to come in stooped in a position where it would be hard to defend himself and any one with a club of some kind could stop him. Jewish cities had huge gates for daytime use but they also had a night entrance for those who were caught out after hours. They used a similar idea to the Pueblo’s, making it small and putting an intruder at a disadvantage. It was called the eye of the needle because, like threading a needle, it was difficult to get through.
While it was awkward for a man to get through, it was far harder to get a camel through. The camel had to be completely unloaded, then persuaded to get on his belly and bend his head down, them push himself through the opening. It is an unnatural activity for camels, and very difficult for them to do. The larger the camel, the more difficult it becomes to get his legs in position. The more materialistic a person is the harder it is to lay aside their belongings and put the Lord first.
“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
It is human nature to want things, and it is only by God’s power that we can give them up. Sadly, many who profess Christ are never willing to lay aside their stuff, whether fame, or actual belongings, or a career, or family relationships to please him. Until we are willing, we cannot be his disciples.
Many of the preceding lessons have been parables to teach the disciples basic principles. Today, we get to see a real example of what Jesus has been teaching. Many times the Jewish leaders questions were designed to trap Jesus. The ruler here seems to be sincere, and Jesus treats the question as being sincere.
“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)
Several years ago, a lady commented that she felt a little dumb asking questions when no one else did. One of the men overheard her and asked her to keep on asking the questions because lots of times he had the same question but wasn’t sure how to express it. Further questioning showed that many others felt the same way. That people ask indicates they are considering what they are hearing seriously. By asking, they commit themselves to listen to and think about the answer.
How we deal with the question affects whether they continue to think about what they are learning or just turn us off. Initially, he focuses the man’s attention on who is really speaking and why he takes his statements seriously.
“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:19)
If God is the only good one, then he is the only one qualified to answer the question. The opinion of some man on the street is of little value unless you know his qualifications. So what does God say? It is critical that they know what God said before we express our opinion. While Jesus is God, he made sure the man was aware that it was God’s command.
“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.” (Luke 18:20-21)
The man’s response indicates that he was sincerely trying to do what God had commanded, but had the feeling that something was lacking. He was right, but his error was the same that many people make today, thinking that serving God is a matter of mechanically doing certain things. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus declares that all the law could be summed up in loving God, and loving those around you. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
One can mechanically do all the deeds called for under the Law without any real love, just as a guy can buy a girl flowers even though he doesn’t care for her at all. With out love, the deeds lose most of their value, and as Paul says in I Corinthians 13:1-3, they are wasted effort, just as the man felt.
“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.”(Luke 18:22)
Jesus challenges him to change his attitude, and put God first, rather than his own goals. It is exactly what he said was necessary in Luke 14:26-27. “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Until God is more important than anything else, we will not be saved.
“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:23-25)
The man clearly wanted salvation, but he was not willing to give up his own life for it. He chose to keep his belongings rather than be saved. As Jesus warns, the more one has, the harder it is to come to Christ by faith.
Many old pueblo cities had very short doors, with the theory that an enemy would have to come in stooped in a position where it would be hard to defend himself and any one with a club of some kind could stop him. Jewish cities had huge gates for daytime use but they also had a night entrance for those who were caught out after hours. They used a similar idea to the Pueblo’s, making it small and putting an intruder at a disadvantage. It was called the eye of the needle because, like threading a needle, it was difficult to get through.
While it was awkward for a man to get through, it was far harder to get a camel through. The camel had to be completely unloaded, then persuaded to get on his belly and bend his head down, them push himself through the opening. It is an unnatural activity for camels, and very difficult for them to do. The larger the camel, the more difficult it becomes to get his legs in position. The more materialistic a person is the harder it is to lay aside their belongings and put the Lord first.
“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
It is human nature to want things, and it is only by God’s power that we can give them up. Sadly, many who profess Christ are never willing to lay aside their stuff, whether fame, or actual belongings, or a career, or family relationships to please him. Until we are willing, we cannot be his disciples.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Let the Children Come
Luke 18:15-17
Several years ago I took my family on a trip. We had intended to camp in various campgrounds along the way to minimize expenses. I was amazed at the number of campgrounds which did not allow children, although dogs were welcome. I was also amazed that some cities were so geared to retired people that families with children had trouble finding housing.
While I realize that many children are unruly, part of the problem is that they have never been exposed to people who know how to behave so they can learn. One grand mother forbid her children to bring her grand kids to her house, because she didn’t want them disturbing her. In talking with her daughter learned that she’d avoided spending time with her own children, leaving them with other relatives so she could do what she wanted without interference. I guess it’s not surprising her kids weren’t sure how to teach their children how to behave. It’s shocking to realize that we have become so selfish as a nation.
The same attitude has been absorbed in many churches. As a result, Several large churches have a policy forbidding bringing young children into the church because they might create a disturbance and quench the Spirit. Apparently the Spirit they are dealing with is not as powerful as the Holy Spirit the Bible speaks of, who has all the power of God and would not be hampered by a mere child. Even the disciples were afraid that children would interfere with their program.
“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.” (Luke 18:15)
Infants are too small to benefit from hearing Jesus teaching, but the mothers wanted Jesus to touch them. The disciples were probably concerned that the babies would create a distraction, especially if they began to cry, so they forbid them to bring them.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:16)
Jesus specifically forbade excluding the little children. Clearly, he was not concerned with any disturbance they might cause. Pastors and evangelists who demand that children not be allowed are in direct opposition to Christ’s command, and their excuse is invalid.
Many groups hold that child cannot be saved until a certain age, often called the age of accountability, is reached. Such a teaching is found nowhere in the bible. Jesus said the kingdom of God is made up of children. He goes on to state that anyone who does not receive salvation as a little child will never be saved. He does not mean that no adults can be saved, but that their faith must be like that of a little child.
A child simply accepts people’s word without question and takes action on it. Those who accept Christ must have that same childlike faith to act on God’s promise. Since that faith comes naturally to a child, it is easier for a child to accept the Lord than for an adult. Unfortunately, it is also easier to convince them to make a profession, so it is critical that we not be aggressive in our presentation, to avoid causing false professions.
One thing that must be remembered is what Jesus said in John 6:44. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” When working with children it is imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to draw them, rather than using psychological tricks. They cannot be saved unless it is the Holy Spirit who draws them. Probably the best way to be sure of our results is demonstrated in what we see repeatedly in various stories in the book of Acts.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached. The people’s response is described in Acts 2:37. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The Ethiopian Eunuch asked Philip, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” in Acts 2:37. The Philippian jailer asked Paul, “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” in Acts 16:30. In every case those who had been moved by the Spirit asked what they needed to do. If the Holy Spirit is working, the child will ask. If you have to approach him, he may not be ready yet.
I suspect that many adults are misled the same way. A major theme in the book of Hebrews is dealing with those who think they have been saved but are not. Our modern invitations contribute to the problem, substituting psychology for the Holy Spirit’s working.
Several years ago I took my family on a trip. We had intended to camp in various campgrounds along the way to minimize expenses. I was amazed at the number of campgrounds which did not allow children, although dogs were welcome. I was also amazed that some cities were so geared to retired people that families with children had trouble finding housing.
While I realize that many children are unruly, part of the problem is that they have never been exposed to people who know how to behave so they can learn. One grand mother forbid her children to bring her grand kids to her house, because she didn’t want them disturbing her. In talking with her daughter learned that she’d avoided spending time with her own children, leaving them with other relatives so she could do what she wanted without interference. I guess it’s not surprising her kids weren’t sure how to teach their children how to behave. It’s shocking to realize that we have become so selfish as a nation.
The same attitude has been absorbed in many churches. As a result, Several large churches have a policy forbidding bringing young children into the church because they might create a disturbance and quench the Spirit. Apparently the Spirit they are dealing with is not as powerful as the Holy Spirit the Bible speaks of, who has all the power of God and would not be hampered by a mere child. Even the disciples were afraid that children would interfere with their program.
“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.” (Luke 18:15)
Infants are too small to benefit from hearing Jesus teaching, but the mothers wanted Jesus to touch them. The disciples were probably concerned that the babies would create a distraction, especially if they began to cry, so they forbid them to bring them.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:16)
Jesus specifically forbade excluding the little children. Clearly, he was not concerned with any disturbance they might cause. Pastors and evangelists who demand that children not be allowed are in direct opposition to Christ’s command, and their excuse is invalid.
Many groups hold that child cannot be saved until a certain age, often called the age of accountability, is reached. Such a teaching is found nowhere in the bible. Jesus said the kingdom of God is made up of children. He goes on to state that anyone who does not receive salvation as a little child will never be saved. He does not mean that no adults can be saved, but that their faith must be like that of a little child.
A child simply accepts people’s word without question and takes action on it. Those who accept Christ must have that same childlike faith to act on God’s promise. Since that faith comes naturally to a child, it is easier for a child to accept the Lord than for an adult. Unfortunately, it is also easier to convince them to make a profession, so it is critical that we not be aggressive in our presentation, to avoid causing false professions.
One thing that must be remembered is what Jesus said in John 6:44. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” When working with children it is imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to draw them, rather than using psychological tricks. They cannot be saved unless it is the Holy Spirit who draws them. Probably the best way to be sure of our results is demonstrated in what we see repeatedly in various stories in the book of Acts.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached. The people’s response is described in Acts 2:37. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The Ethiopian Eunuch asked Philip, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” in Acts 2:37. The Philippian jailer asked Paul, “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” in Acts 16:30. In every case those who had been moved by the Spirit asked what they needed to do. If the Holy Spirit is working, the child will ask. If you have to approach him, he may not be ready yet.
I suspect that many adults are misled the same way. A major theme in the book of Hebrews is dealing with those who think they have been saved but are not. Our modern invitations contribute to the problem, substituting psychology for the Holy Spirit’s working.
Too Good To Be Saved
Luke 18:9-14
One of my former employers was a very successful and well known business man. He attended one of the local churches and donated regularly to various churches and charities and was involved with the school, trying to give the kids something to do besides get into trouble. He campaigned for programs to prevent drunk driving and spousal abuse and managed to get several to go into treatment programs, even paying them so their families didn’t suffer.
Because he was such a nice guy and doing so many good things, few people realized he was an alcoholic himself. He definitely didn’t consider himself to be a drunk, thinking that those who went to that point were being pretty stupid. When he was stopped for erratic driving, because he was so well connected the charges were dropped, but he was convinced it was because they really weren’t sure he’d been drinking. While he apparently never physically abused his family, his first wife left him and his children got to a point where they avoided him because of his abusive talk and embarrassing behavior when he was drinking. He was convinced he had his drinking well under control right up until open heart surgery led to doctors warning him that any more drinking would probably be fatal. He was shocked to find out how hard it was to quit, having been convinced he could quit at any time, because he wasn’t an alcoholic.
Sadly, he was typical of a lot of people, convinced that they are better than others, because their sin is less apparent. They have no clue that others are suffering because of their behavior, or that they are sinning, because they never stop to think about it. The story of the Pharisee and the publican portrays this vividly.
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.” (Luke 18:9-10)
The Pharisees were the most devout religious people in Jewish society. They tried to follow God’s commands in the Old testament law perfectly, considering any deviation unacceptable. They tried to avoid any association with those who did wrong. Publicans, on the other hand, were Jews who had accepted employment by the Roman government, common civil servants. As such they had to be willing to overlook Roman behavior that was clearly unacceptable by Jewish standards. They were considered as corrupt and untrustworthy as common criminals.
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11-12)
Just as my employer was convinced he wasn’t an alcoholic because he had never allowed his drinking to make his family go hungry, ort been convicted of drunk driving, the Pharisee thought he wasn’t a sinner because he didn’t do the same overt sins as some others. In fact, he wasn’t even as bad as the Publican who probably associated with those others. He did so many good things, giving to the church or charities, going to church and even sacrificing his own pleasure to participate in various church activities. He’s one of the good guys. Just ask anybody, if you don’t think so.
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
The publican was ashamed of what he’d become. He was embarrassed to even come into the church and sat way in the back, hoping no one noticed him, knowing he had no right to expect anything from God. He couldn’t even raise his hands toward heaven like others did to pray, but bowed down and asked to be forgiven.
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
Undoubtedly, the Pharisee left feeling very virtuous and spiritual for having gone to church and prayed, but the publican went home at peace with God. Notice that the Pharisee prayed with himself. God never even heard the prayer. While praying the scriptures or some other eloquent prayer may make us feel good, God wants us to communicate with him honestly. Only when we quit trying to impress God with our knowledge of scriptures or our good deeds will he hear our prayers. There’s no reason for God to answer a prayer for someone who got what he wanted just by saying the prayer.
People who are convinced they have nothing wrong spiritually don’t need any help. There’s no reason for Jesus came to help those who were not able to help themselves. Mark 2:17 says, “…They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Only when we are aware of our need will we be willing to take the cure. I John 1:8-10 warns, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
One of my former employers was a very successful and well known business man. He attended one of the local churches and donated regularly to various churches and charities and was involved with the school, trying to give the kids something to do besides get into trouble. He campaigned for programs to prevent drunk driving and spousal abuse and managed to get several to go into treatment programs, even paying them so their families didn’t suffer.
Because he was such a nice guy and doing so many good things, few people realized he was an alcoholic himself. He definitely didn’t consider himself to be a drunk, thinking that those who went to that point were being pretty stupid. When he was stopped for erratic driving, because he was so well connected the charges were dropped, but he was convinced it was because they really weren’t sure he’d been drinking. While he apparently never physically abused his family, his first wife left him and his children got to a point where they avoided him because of his abusive talk and embarrassing behavior when he was drinking. He was convinced he had his drinking well under control right up until open heart surgery led to doctors warning him that any more drinking would probably be fatal. He was shocked to find out how hard it was to quit, having been convinced he could quit at any time, because he wasn’t an alcoholic.
Sadly, he was typical of a lot of people, convinced that they are better than others, because their sin is less apparent. They have no clue that others are suffering because of their behavior, or that they are sinning, because they never stop to think about it. The story of the Pharisee and the publican portrays this vividly.
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.” (Luke 18:9-10)
The Pharisees were the most devout religious people in Jewish society. They tried to follow God’s commands in the Old testament law perfectly, considering any deviation unacceptable. They tried to avoid any association with those who did wrong. Publicans, on the other hand, were Jews who had accepted employment by the Roman government, common civil servants. As such they had to be willing to overlook Roman behavior that was clearly unacceptable by Jewish standards. They were considered as corrupt and untrustworthy as common criminals.
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11-12)
Just as my employer was convinced he wasn’t an alcoholic because he had never allowed his drinking to make his family go hungry, ort been convicted of drunk driving, the Pharisee thought he wasn’t a sinner because he didn’t do the same overt sins as some others. In fact, he wasn’t even as bad as the Publican who probably associated with those others. He did so many good things, giving to the church or charities, going to church and even sacrificing his own pleasure to participate in various church activities. He’s one of the good guys. Just ask anybody, if you don’t think so.
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
The publican was ashamed of what he’d become. He was embarrassed to even come into the church and sat way in the back, hoping no one noticed him, knowing he had no right to expect anything from God. He couldn’t even raise his hands toward heaven like others did to pray, but bowed down and asked to be forgiven.
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
Undoubtedly, the Pharisee left feeling very virtuous and spiritual for having gone to church and prayed, but the publican went home at peace with God. Notice that the Pharisee prayed with himself. God never even heard the prayer. While praying the scriptures or some other eloquent prayer may make us feel good, God wants us to communicate with him honestly. Only when we quit trying to impress God with our knowledge of scriptures or our good deeds will he hear our prayers. There’s no reason for God to answer a prayer for someone who got what he wanted just by saying the prayer.
People who are convinced they have nothing wrong spiritually don’t need any help. There’s no reason for Jesus came to help those who were not able to help themselves. Mark 2:17 says, “…They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Only when we are aware of our need will we be willing to take the cure. I John 1:8-10 warns, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Friday, January 28, 2011
Communicating with God
Luke 18:1-8
A stereotypical behavior we see portrayed on television comedies is of a teenager locking themselves in their room and spending time talking to their friends on a cell phone rather than talking with their family. As time passes, they begin to feel alienated from the family and grow quite rebellious. As they become more self centered, their demands begin to look ridiculous to the parents, who are increasingly apt to refuse. They never realize it is their refusal to communicate that is causing the problem, not a lack of love by their parents. Youth programs, school activities, peer pressure and social standards all contribute to make the problem worse.
A lot of Christians relationship with God is very much like that of the spoiled teenager with their parents. The only time they stop to pray is to demand something. This is aggravated by lessons like the one from Child Evangelism Fellowship that declared, “Prayer is asking.” If the only time we talk to God is when we want something, our relationship to him will be as unsatisfactory as that of the selfish teen to his parents.
The teenager who gets to know his parents as people, rather than just as a source of income begins to appreciate that they also have needs and goals. As he tries to adjust his demands to their needs, the sense of alienation disappears. His demands become less outlandish, and easier for his parents to understand so they are more willing to give. The relationship grows stronger as they communicate more effectively.
Prayer is communicating with God. The most meaningful communication between a child and parent or husband and wife comes as a result of discussing everyday things in an informal friendly manner, one on one. The most effective prayer comes from informally talking privately to God about our everyday concerns and his. Doing so helps us to understand and accept his will, and believe it is for our good, and he tells us. Failure to do so leaves us feeling he is just arbitrary in his response. Jesus stresses the importance of consistent communication in his next parable.
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.” (Luke 18:1-3)
The judge has no concern for anyone. He is only concerned about himself and his own convenience. No one else matters to him. When the widow came to him for help, he refused because he saw no benefit to himself.
“And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” (Luke 18:4-5)
Though he had no interest in the woman or her problem, the selfish Judge decided to accede to her request to prevent her from nagging him. He doesn’t do it because it is right, but only to keep the peace. Unlike the selfish judge, God cares about us, and about what is right. There is no need to nag him about things.
“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:6-8)
Growing up, I learned that if Dad promised us something, he would get it as soon as he could. Living fifty miles from town, that might be several days wait. I also learned that if I bugged him about it in the interim, he was hurt because I didn’t trust him. Loving my dad, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Like my Dad, God will keep his promises at the earliest possible date. Repeatedly asking for the same thing implies we do not trust him to keep his promise.
I learned to trust Dad by talking with him about everything that happened, and seeing how he dealt with different situations. Had I shut myself up in my room and not developed that relationship, I would not have learned. Jesus asked, “…when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” I believe he is literally asking will people have so neglected their relationship with him that they can’t trust him to do anything. Sadly, there are few who truly do in our day. Are we really praying in faith, or are we trying to force him to act by nagging him because we don’t trust him?
A stereotypical behavior we see portrayed on television comedies is of a teenager locking themselves in their room and spending time talking to their friends on a cell phone rather than talking with their family. As time passes, they begin to feel alienated from the family and grow quite rebellious. As they become more self centered, their demands begin to look ridiculous to the parents, who are increasingly apt to refuse. They never realize it is their refusal to communicate that is causing the problem, not a lack of love by their parents. Youth programs, school activities, peer pressure and social standards all contribute to make the problem worse.
A lot of Christians relationship with God is very much like that of the spoiled teenager with their parents. The only time they stop to pray is to demand something. This is aggravated by lessons like the one from Child Evangelism Fellowship that declared, “Prayer is asking.” If the only time we talk to God is when we want something, our relationship to him will be as unsatisfactory as that of the selfish teen to his parents.
The teenager who gets to know his parents as people, rather than just as a source of income begins to appreciate that they also have needs and goals. As he tries to adjust his demands to their needs, the sense of alienation disappears. His demands become less outlandish, and easier for his parents to understand so they are more willing to give. The relationship grows stronger as they communicate more effectively.
Prayer is communicating with God. The most meaningful communication between a child and parent or husband and wife comes as a result of discussing everyday things in an informal friendly manner, one on one. The most effective prayer comes from informally talking privately to God about our everyday concerns and his. Doing so helps us to understand and accept his will, and believe it is for our good, and he tells us. Failure to do so leaves us feeling he is just arbitrary in his response. Jesus stresses the importance of consistent communication in his next parable.
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.” (Luke 18:1-3)
The judge has no concern for anyone. He is only concerned about himself and his own convenience. No one else matters to him. When the widow came to him for help, he refused because he saw no benefit to himself.
“And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” (Luke 18:4-5)
Though he had no interest in the woman or her problem, the selfish Judge decided to accede to her request to prevent her from nagging him. He doesn’t do it because it is right, but only to keep the peace. Unlike the selfish judge, God cares about us, and about what is right. There is no need to nag him about things.
“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:6-8)
Growing up, I learned that if Dad promised us something, he would get it as soon as he could. Living fifty miles from town, that might be several days wait. I also learned that if I bugged him about it in the interim, he was hurt because I didn’t trust him. Loving my dad, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Like my Dad, God will keep his promises at the earliest possible date. Repeatedly asking for the same thing implies we do not trust him to keep his promise.
I learned to trust Dad by talking with him about everything that happened, and seeing how he dealt with different situations. Had I shut myself up in my room and not developed that relationship, I would not have learned. Jesus asked, “…when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” I believe he is literally asking will people have so neglected their relationship with him that they can’t trust him to do anything. Sadly, there are few who truly do in our day. Are we really praying in faith, or are we trying to force him to act by nagging him because we don’t trust him?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
When Will The Lord Return?
Luke 17:20-37
“The Lord will return before 1960.”
I was just child when I heard an “evangelist” make that claim. His description of the events to come was terrifying, even though I had already been saved. In the intervening years, there have been hundreds of attempts to set the date for the Lord’s return. As a result, some Christians have decided it is nothing to be concerned about and may not even happen, while others, less jaded with the recurring claims are desperately seeking another date. It’s not a new situation.
For centuries, the Jews had looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. Much of their teaching, while purporting to be scriptural, was designed to feed cravings for sensationalism or knowing something others didn’t know, resulting in distortion of the scriptures. What they had come to expect over the years was far different from what actually happened when Jesus came.
The Jews were looking for the Messiah to come as their fairytale white knight in shining armor, wiping out their enemies and rescuing them. As a result, they ignored what God said they needed to do in their own day, looking forward to the day he came. Many approach the prophecies in Revelation the same way, glossing over God’s warnings and instructions to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 to get into the part where the Lord comes back to destroy our enemies. As a result, the majority of the Jews were completely unprepared when Jesus came as we saw in the first few chapters of Luke. That is what the Pharisees were still looking for when they consulted Jesus.
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
As Jesus points out, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, rather than a physical kingdom. When Pilate asked Jesus whether he were a king or not, Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence,” in John 18:36. It will not be seen with physical eyes, and people will not be able to tell you where it is, because it is in our hearts. Some today refer to it as the Christian life. What the Jews were looking for will not happen until after the tribulation described in Revelation, as Jesus then explains to his disciples.
“And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” (Luke 17:22-25)
Jesus had already warned his disciples a few times that he would be killed, although they didn’t understand or accept what he had told them. He warns them again of his death, and the nations of Israel’s rejection of him. There will be times when people desperately want the Lord to return, but he won’t. They must not allow themselves to get caught up in these false teachings and running after the teachers. When the Lord comes back, it will be apparent to everyone just like lightening is. There won’t be any special signs. Mark 8:12 is pretty clear. “And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.” The old song that says “signs of the times are everywhere” is exciting, but unscriptural.
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30)
Only those who obeyed God’s instructions were delivered when God sent the flood in Noah’s day, even though Noah had warned others that it was to come. There was no small preliminary rain as a warning. If they refused to heed Noah’s preaching, they perished. Most people just went on, convinced that there was nothing to worry about until the flood came and killed them. Lot tried to warn his own daughters and their husbands, but they refused to believe him and died in Sodom. Their first intimation of danger was when the fire and brimstone began to fall. Until then they were busy with their own life. Preoccupation with our worldly life will have the same result on people when the Lord returns.
“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:31-33)
We are warned that if a fire starts in a home, we should not waste time trying to save our things. There are no things worth losing your life for. Lot’s wife made that mistake, not being willing to give up what she had. People who make the mistake of putting the worlds things above obeying God will lose everything just as she did. It will be a very selective process. Those who are prepared will go, and those who are not will be left.
“I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:34-36)
The disciples wanted to know where they’d be going. Just as a flock of eagles go to where a dead body is to eat, his chosen people will go to where he is.
“And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” (Luke 17:37)
I Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
“The Lord will return before 1960.”
I was just child when I heard an “evangelist” make that claim. His description of the events to come was terrifying, even though I had already been saved. In the intervening years, there have been hundreds of attempts to set the date for the Lord’s return. As a result, some Christians have decided it is nothing to be concerned about and may not even happen, while others, less jaded with the recurring claims are desperately seeking another date. It’s not a new situation.
For centuries, the Jews had looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. Much of their teaching, while purporting to be scriptural, was designed to feed cravings for sensationalism or knowing something others didn’t know, resulting in distortion of the scriptures. What they had come to expect over the years was far different from what actually happened when Jesus came.
The Jews were looking for the Messiah to come as their fairytale white knight in shining armor, wiping out their enemies and rescuing them. As a result, they ignored what God said they needed to do in their own day, looking forward to the day he came. Many approach the prophecies in Revelation the same way, glossing over God’s warnings and instructions to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 to get into the part where the Lord comes back to destroy our enemies. As a result, the majority of the Jews were completely unprepared when Jesus came as we saw in the first few chapters of Luke. That is what the Pharisees were still looking for when they consulted Jesus.
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
As Jesus points out, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, rather than a physical kingdom. When Pilate asked Jesus whether he were a king or not, Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence,” in John 18:36. It will not be seen with physical eyes, and people will not be able to tell you where it is, because it is in our hearts. Some today refer to it as the Christian life. What the Jews were looking for will not happen until after the tribulation described in Revelation, as Jesus then explains to his disciples.
“And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” (Luke 17:22-25)
Jesus had already warned his disciples a few times that he would be killed, although they didn’t understand or accept what he had told them. He warns them again of his death, and the nations of Israel’s rejection of him. There will be times when people desperately want the Lord to return, but he won’t. They must not allow themselves to get caught up in these false teachings and running after the teachers. When the Lord comes back, it will be apparent to everyone just like lightening is. There won’t be any special signs. Mark 8:12 is pretty clear. “And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.” The old song that says “signs of the times are everywhere” is exciting, but unscriptural.
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30)
Only those who obeyed God’s instructions were delivered when God sent the flood in Noah’s day, even though Noah had warned others that it was to come. There was no small preliminary rain as a warning. If they refused to heed Noah’s preaching, they perished. Most people just went on, convinced that there was nothing to worry about until the flood came and killed them. Lot tried to warn his own daughters and their husbands, but they refused to believe him and died in Sodom. Their first intimation of danger was when the fire and brimstone began to fall. Until then they were busy with their own life. Preoccupation with our worldly life will have the same result on people when the Lord returns.
“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:31-33)
We are warned that if a fire starts in a home, we should not waste time trying to save our things. There are no things worth losing your life for. Lot’s wife made that mistake, not being willing to give up what she had. People who make the mistake of putting the worlds things above obeying God will lose everything just as she did. It will be a very selective process. Those who are prepared will go, and those who are not will be left.
“I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:34-36)
The disciples wanted to know where they’d be going. Just as a flock of eagles go to where a dead body is to eat, his chosen people will go to where he is.
“And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” (Luke 17:37)
I Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
What Did God Ever Do For You?
Luke 17:11-19
“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:11-14)
According to Jewish law, because of the infectious nature of leprosy, lepers were not allowed to come in close contact with healthy people, or even to handle things others might handle later, to prevent spread of the disease. The means of identifying the disease and rules for dealing with it are given in Leviticus 13.
When the group of men asked Jesus to alleviate their suffering, he told them to go down and show themselves to the priests. At the time there was no cure for leprosy, although it sometimes just went away, so the law made provision for identifying one who had been healed. Leviticus 14 describes what was to be done if a person was healed of leprosy. The faith of the men is demonstrated in their obedience. They were healed on their way. Their faith resulted in taking action, completing the faith, just a James 2:22-26 describes in referring to Abraham and Rahab. They act because of their faith, resulting in healing. It is still the faith that produces the healing.
“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:22-26)
When we flip a switch to turn on a light, we do not light the light. All we have done is allow the electricity to flow to light the light. We have nothing to do with lighting the light itself. In the same way, our action flips the switch allowing our faith to work. If power is present, electricity will flow through the bulb, heating it up. The side benefit of the heating is light, which was what we were after. Funny that we say we turned on the light when in fact we didn’t. We just turned on the electricity, resulting in light. If there is no light, it indicates that power is not getting to the bulb properly.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16)
Of the ten who were cleansed, only one thought about what was happening. The others were so focused on being declared cleansed, they didn’t stop about how it happened. A lot of people in churches receive what god has done with no consciousness of what was required for them to get it. They just take it for granted. As a result few really get involved and experience the fullness of the Christian life God has for them.
“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:17-19)
Just one of the lepers, and that one a Samaritan, was appreciative enough to go back and say thanks, or to give God the glory. The others just accepted it as their due. The one realized Jesus had done something special for him. God wants our appreciation, and love should give it. I Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
The writer of Hebrews stresses the special privilege and blessing we have as a result of Christ’s sacrifice. Realizing it should result in continual praise, which he defines as verbally giving thanks in Hebrews 13:15. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” He didn’t owe you, he did it because he loved you. When we’ve done everything he asks of us we still owe him.
Did you say, “thank you” for what he‘s done for you? Maybe the reason he didn’t tell you “thy faith hath made you whole” like he told the Samaritan is because you didn’t stop to say thank you so he could.
“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:11-14)
According to Jewish law, because of the infectious nature of leprosy, lepers were not allowed to come in close contact with healthy people, or even to handle things others might handle later, to prevent spread of the disease. The means of identifying the disease and rules for dealing with it are given in Leviticus 13.
When the group of men asked Jesus to alleviate their suffering, he told them to go down and show themselves to the priests. At the time there was no cure for leprosy, although it sometimes just went away, so the law made provision for identifying one who had been healed. Leviticus 14 describes what was to be done if a person was healed of leprosy. The faith of the men is demonstrated in their obedience. They were healed on their way. Their faith resulted in taking action, completing the faith, just a James 2:22-26 describes in referring to Abraham and Rahab. They act because of their faith, resulting in healing. It is still the faith that produces the healing.
“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:22-26)
When we flip a switch to turn on a light, we do not light the light. All we have done is allow the electricity to flow to light the light. We have nothing to do with lighting the light itself. In the same way, our action flips the switch allowing our faith to work. If power is present, electricity will flow through the bulb, heating it up. The side benefit of the heating is light, which was what we were after. Funny that we say we turned on the light when in fact we didn’t. We just turned on the electricity, resulting in light. If there is no light, it indicates that power is not getting to the bulb properly.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16)
Of the ten who were cleansed, only one thought about what was happening. The others were so focused on being declared cleansed, they didn’t stop about how it happened. A lot of people in churches receive what god has done with no consciousness of what was required for them to get it. They just take it for granted. As a result few really get involved and experience the fullness of the Christian life God has for them.
“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:17-19)
Just one of the lepers, and that one a Samaritan, was appreciative enough to go back and say thanks, or to give God the glory. The others just accepted it as their due. The one realized Jesus had done something special for him. God wants our appreciation, and love should give it. I Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
The writer of Hebrews stresses the special privilege and blessing we have as a result of Christ’s sacrifice. Realizing it should result in continual praise, which he defines as verbally giving thanks in Hebrews 13:15. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” He didn’t owe you, he did it because he loved you. When we’ve done everything he asks of us we still owe him.
Did you say, “thank you” for what he‘s done for you? Maybe the reason he didn’t tell you “thy faith hath made you whole” like he told the Samaritan is because you didn’t stop to say thank you so he could.
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