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Forgetfulness
When I read this verse in it’s context (Luke 17:11-19), it was easy for me to say “Of course he would come back and thank Jesus now. He has been healed. He has visual, palpable evidence of this miracle. That’s an easy one.”
And right about the time I was mounting my high horse, I saw this word: LOUD.
So often I am just like the other nine lepers who walked away without a word. I forget to be thankful. I ask the Lord for a miracle, and when he makes it happen I’m onto the next thing on my agenda. Not even a “thanks, Lord.” The leper in Luke 17:15 was not only thankful, he let everyone know it. What a testimony to those around him. And here I am, not even giving my God the credit that’s due Him. Not shouting out to those around me “look at this awesome miracle that has happened!”
Now, I admit that I have a poor memory. There are times when I am introduced to someone and not even a minute later I have already forgotten his or her name. I am “memory challenged,’ if you will. But I want to always remember to not only be thankful, but to let the world know who God is. Let him shine through my trials and tribulations.
John Piper, one of my favorite pastor/authors has said, “God wills to be displayed and known and loved and cherished and worshiped.” I want to display, know, love, cherish and worship God loudly and without forgetting. There are so many ways to do it, what does that look like for you?
I wonder what the other nine thought, after they saw Jesus on the cross. I would think there would be more energy spent worrying that the leperosy was going to come back, than the energy to just be thankful out LOUD. Thanks for sharing that Casey. I often desire to be wholly content in the FAther, but when I am worrying about my problems and planning the next events in my life, then I am not displaying the contentness. However, maybe I need just turn back more often. Turn away from my problems and stresses and focus on thanking Jesus. I think that will make all the difference.
It may be easier to thank the Lord who is not “visible” than to thank those gnarly, obtuse Christian brothers and sisters who irritate us. Maybe we can display thanks to the Lord by thanking those he works through, even when we don’t like them. Let’s start with parents. It may be easier to thank the Lord whose blessings seem so clear, than to thank that difficult parent who God worked through to provide us an environment in which we could grow. Maybe start there.
Casey I am right there with you on the name thing. I love our name tags. The turning back and thanking God seems to be a very important part of staying humble and grounded in your life with God. Without Jesus I would be a mess. I am so thankful for the cross, for Christ’s death and resurection how can I not worship? I don’t worship when I am looking ahead and trying to talke control. God please let me keep my eyes on you today.
I agree but with a little hesitation. We must remember to God be the glory. I would hope that I would not be boastful or say things to make others jealous. It is a fine line. Let’s be sure to thank God and not be selfish.
One more thought. There are miracles every day, in every way. I want to have the burning bush experience but sometimes it is a simple as a good song that points me in the right direction.
THANK YOU GOD!!!!
loud. yep. I don’t think we can just rationalize that away… and let ourselves off that worship/praise hook.
Thanks Casey!
Soooo glad you and Dan use your gifts for the Kingdom and at CCC.
Blessings my friend…