Thursday 17 December 2020

Your faith has made you whole. (Ch 17)

 Luke Chapter 17

SUMMARY:  
v1-10 - Living for Jesus
- Means being careful about sin (v1-3), forgiving others 9v3-4), exercising faith (v5-6) and having a servant's heart (v7-10)?
v11-19 - Thankfulness to Jesus
- Means not just cleansed (v14) but 'made well' or 'made whole' (v19) (the same Greek word is used in Luke 19v10 where it is translated 'to save') 
v20-37 - Ready for Jesus
- Means like Noah and Lot - rescued from destruction (vv27, v29). 

REFLECTION: 
As I reflect again on the ten leppers it strikes me that so many are like them, and I should not exclude myself.
(i) In times of need crying out to Jesus for help for 'pity' v(13). It may be a physical, emotional, relationships, or financial need that brings us to Jesus in prayer or to reach out to his people for their prayers.
(ii) Jesus is gracious and ensures we receive 'common grace' which 'cleanses' us (v14) and satisfies our present need. 
(iii) We go on our way not bothering Jesus again. (v17) Just content to be 'cleansed'. That immediate problem dealt with and it is as if we resolve not to turn to Jesus again until the next 'big need'.
(iv) What if we come back to Jesus and praising God and throw ourselves at Jesus's feet like the samaritan. (v15-16) Then 'faith' can make us 'whole'. 
The one lepper made whole - has a thankful and faith-based relationship with Jesus. (v19)
Will we resolve whenever Jesus touches our lives to always come back to Jesus with thankful praise and in faith seeking to be made whole in body, mind and soul. To live continually under his 'divine saving grace'.

PRAYER: Loving Heavenly Father we thank you that you are a God of grace. Thank you for the many times you have heard my cry for help, and the cry of family and friends. We remember so many times of 'common grace'; providing for our material needs, protecting us from physical harm, guiding us away from wrong, and developing the ability to heals us from sickness. Forgive us for the many times we fail to return to Jesus with praise, thanksgiving, and faith so we might know the true Joy of being made whole as we live in that constant thankful relationship of faith. May we today dwell in your 'diving saving grace' and may many be drawn, like this one samaritan, to Jesus in praise and faith and be made whole. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

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