Thanksgiving Message
10 Lepers
Every action that Jesus took pointed to something greater than itself.
“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.”
-Luke 17:11
Lepers were ceremonially defiled, unclean, and forced to live outside the village limits.
“They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’” “… 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?”
-Luke 17: 13-17
REASONABLE OPTIONS:
Procrastination?
Just following orders?
Adrenaline rush = forgetting manners?
Selfish entitlement?
Pride and/or Prejudice?
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
-James 4:10
Don’t let prejudice get in the way of your relationship with Jesus.
Sign at entry to the J’Lem Temple:
“Any foreigner who goes beyond this wall will have only himself to blame for his ensuing death.”
“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’”
(Luke 17:18,19)
(v. 14) “As they went and they were ‘cleansed.’” * “katharizo”
(v. 15) “Were not all 10 ‘healed?’” * “iaomai” instantaneously
(v. 19)“Your faith has made you well.’” * (Gk) = “sozo” = “saved”
Main Reason to be Thankful
Free gift of Heaven/No fear of hell.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.”
-1 John 4:18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances...”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“… the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus… causing thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:14,15
“Rejoice in the Lord always… Do not be anxious about anything…
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:4,6,7
“Save us, O God our Savior… so that we may
give thanks to your holy name.”
-1 Chronicles 16:35
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice... The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer… with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
-Philippians 4:4-13
That is what our ministry here is all about.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
-Proverbs 3:9,10
Thankfulness & Gratitude leads to fullness of life.
It can turn “what we have” into “enough”.
“Give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:18