The Nine

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising...and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks.  And he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?" (Luke 17.15-17)

Jesus healed ten lepers.  One came back to thank him.  I'd like to think of myself as the one.  But I've also spent plenty of time with the nine; finding it easier to ask for mercy than appreciate it.

Not today.

Maybe watching the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean makes this easier.  Or perhaps I'm typing with the advantage of a national holiday named for gratitude.  In any case, I want to seize this opportunity to say something to Jesus.

What you have done for me is unspeakable.

The skin on my hands has always been healthy, but my spirit was deteriorating.  That didn't sit well with you, so you stood up.  You stood up from a throne.  You stood up from heaven's throne.  And you made a long trip, from heaven to earth to a cross.  I know you bled for more than just me, but my heart says you would have done it even if I was the only one.

So today I choose to be the one.

The one to come back and bow at your feet.

I've read about kings.  They're good at giving orders; good at being served.  No wonder men think of becoming kings.  But what King thinks of trading his throne for a manger; his royal robes for carpenter's clothes?

So Jesus, today I've left the nine to come back.  I'm back to say thanks.

And I make you this promise.  In a few days, when I'm looking at snow instead of waves, and back to eating Cheerios instead of Turkey, I'll come back to this place of worship again.

Comments

[Jerome]

Awesome!