Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

Reading From Luke 17:11-18:14

“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? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

—Luke 17:11-19

It is interesting to me that Jesus sent them to the priests knowing that in their current condition they were ceremonially unclean. Not only did He know they would be healed along the way, but He also knew that their faith would make them well. The sovereignty and foreknowledge of God coexist with the free moral agency He has given to mankind.

We aren’t told what the ethnicities of all the lepers were, but the only one who returned to Jesus to show his gratitude was a Samaritan. Samaritans were looked down upon by Jews as being half breeds, but Jesus came to bring peace, love and harmony among all peoples. Not only did the Samaritan praise the Lord, he did it loudly! Hallelujah!!

“Lord Jesus, increase our faith, we pray. May we be truly grateful for the healing You bring to each of our lives. We look forward to the Day when our healing will be made complete in Your Presence where there is fullness of joy. In Your Name we pray, Amen.”

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. —Romans 12:6-8

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. —Mark 5:34

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. —Mathew 13:58