Ignorance or unawareness?
by Maria Rudolph
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One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice (Luke 17:15).
Read Luke 17:11–19
My daughter came home from school with glowing eyes. ‘Mum, I had a real God moment today!’ I was astonished. ‘What happened?’, I asked. She told me how she had to go to a room in an unfamiliar part of her large new school and quietly prayed in her head that God could help her find the way and that, next thing, an older student took notice of her and asked whether she needed assistance, and then ended up walking her all the way to where she needed to be. My daughter recognised God’s help in that moment and said a quiet prayer of thanks to God. It made me think, how often have I been lost, literally and figuratively, and was gently pointed in the right direction or set on the right path again by God, but failed to recognise it? How often have I failed to give thanks to God when thanks was due? How often have I acted like the nine lepers who didn’t return?
The story of these 10 lepers healed by Jesus gives me so much hope. You see, Jesus knew before he healed them all that not all of them would return to give thanks – and healed them anyway. Jesus knew Judas would end up betraying him – but he called, journeyed with and taught him anyway. Sometimes I’m ignorant towards God’s goodness to me, but he lavishes blessings upon me regardless. Jesus also did it for the thief on the cross, the soldiers who crucified him, and Saul who persecuted the Christians before he became known as Paul: Jesus embraces, prays for and blesses those who are most unworthy of his love and grace. So radical, so unexpected. So Jesus.
What are you thanking God for right now?
Gracious Jesus, you are gracious, loving and compassionate even when you know I don’t deserve it. Grant me the strength and guidance of your Holy Spirit to act graciously, lovingly and compassionately towards others, and to give thanks to you in all circumstances. Amen.
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