When Christ

Moves Graciously

     Luke 17:11-18 says, “Now on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met Him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When He saw them, He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him--and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’”

     When Jesus Christ moves graciously upon on your life, He expects you to express a life that shows an attitude of thankfulness to God, a love for Christ and a walk that is in step with the Holy Spirit.

     At this time in history the affliction of incurable leprosy had a double curse—you were permanently, physically disfigured and socially ostracized.  Regardless of your former status in life, having leprosy meant you would never again be welcome or able to live in general society.   

     Symbolically, leprosy represents the sinful nature that is in all of humankind.  Spiritually, non-Christians are easily afflicted with the results of the sins of the flesh, the lures of the world and the lies of the devil.  Unrepentant sin will keep you from having fellowship with God and cause you to miss the abundant life that is promised to those who will surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives. Jesus Christ graciously gave up His own life on the Cross so you could have fellowship with God.  

     Does your life reflect thankfulness to the graciousness of Christ who died for your sins?  Have you come to Christ and live a life that shows an attitude of praise to God?  If not, then invite Jesus into your heart today to be both Savior and Lord.  Become like the one out of ten; live a life that expresses thankfulness to God so LOUD that everyone can hear your praise!