Where Are the Nine?
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I recently had a problem that was weighing me down.
I complained and told the Lord that if He would only help me to overcome my problems, then I would feel more excited about working for Him.
I called out to Him in prayer and asked for healing for my issue.
Suddenly I saw myself in the story of the ten lepers.
They all kept their distance as they stood far away from Jesus and asked for healing by calling out for mercy. Jesus did not just walk over to them, snap His fingers, and make them whole. Instead, He stayed where He was, called back to them, and told them to go show themselves to the priests. When you really think about it, that sounds pretty strange.
Why would Jesus send damaged men to report to those looking for perfection? Luke continues with the story, “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14, KJV). And that is when the miracle happened—they were cleansed as they obeyed and followed what Jesus had told them to do. You would think that would make all of them happy, and it probably did, but only one man found true joy.
He is the one who turned back and told Jesus how grateful he was.
The rest continued on the road to look for acceptance from the priests.
Only one out of ten came to Jesus’ feet just to thank Him.
Nine out of ten were happy enough with simply getting what they wanted from Jesus without ever really drawing close to Him. I want to be the one who comes back to Jesus’ feet and gratefully acknowledges what He has done in my life.
Though I may have been calling from afar or even whining from afar, I want to listen to what He asks me to do. I want to receive the blessing of being healed as I follow and go wherever He sends me. If you are one of the nine, Jesus is asking for you.
Won’t you join me at His feet?
Karen D. Lifshay
