Thanksgiving is more than a national holiday: it’s a measurement of wealth. Ten lepers stood at the city limits, pleading with passers-by for the smallest token of kindness. Some shared coins. Others shared food. Some shared nothing at all, hastily passing by in an effort to avoid the diseased like the plague which infected them.
Too Poor to Approach
The lepers were poor. They owned nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They could take no job in the city because of their disease. They had no family to care for them. All they had was each other — and that wasn’t much. Life had been hard for them. It was all they could do to survive from one day to the next, wishing, hoping — even praying — for change to come.
But one day, Jesus passed through their city while in route to Jerusalem. The diseased men had heard many things about Him. Some said He was a Miracle Worker. (How they longed to see one of His miracles! . . . If only they weren’t plagued with the evil curse of leprosy, they could join the thronging crowds which followed Him and see the wonder for themselves.)
Someone told them Jesus was a great Healer. They imagined how wonderful it would be to experience His touch. . . . But their thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an approaching commotion. A crowd followed a tiny band of men down the street. The lepers scanned the sea of faces until finally they saw Him. He was the one out in front leading the way. He didn’t strut about with the bravado and charisma of other leaders they had seen, but He seemed to know where He was going. Too bad they couldn’t approach Him. Their disease carried severe legal and social implications, restricting them from coming near others lest they infect them.
A Meeting with Mercy
This was the lepers’ one chance to see Jesus for themselves. In desperation, they did the one thing their disease could not prohibit: they cried out to Jesus. And Jesus heard them. With compassion, He looked into their desperate, hurting, weather-beaten eyes and instructed them to present themselves to the priests.
Clinging to Jesus’ words, the lepers made their way to the priests and the declaration which they hoped would begin a new chapter in their lives. On the way, they were completely healed. Nine of the lepers walked whole to the priests, but one could not. Overcome with emotion at the incredible transformation in his life, he returned to kneel at Jesus’ feet.
Gratitude That Draws Near
As he expressed his gratitude, the newly cleansed man drew nearer to Jesus than he had ever been, nearer than the others would ever be — all because he gave thanks. He rose to his feet a changed man, for at the feet of Jesus he had found salvation.
His nine counterparts rejoiced because now they could make a living and increase their stake in this world, but the humble and grateful ex-leper rejoiced because he had found the essence of life and true wealth in eternity. His story reminds us we are never closer to Jesus than when we give thanks. With his attitude of gratitude, he would never lack again, for a thankful person always has enough.
Don’t Stop at “Thank You”
61 days remain in this year. As you reflect on the 304 days which have passed, ask yourself the following questions: Did these days bring you joy, happiness, fulfillment or satisfaction? Did God bring you through a trial, answer a prayer, provide for a need, satisfy a longing, forgive a sin, supply grace in weakness and protect you from your enemies? Did you earn extra income, find a new job, receive a promotion, make new friends, move to a new home or accomplish a personal goal? Thanksgiving should include thanks to God for His blessings, but it should be even more specific and intentional. Everything we have comes from God, but at the heart of Thanksgiving is an opportunity to draw closer to Him. If we miss this, then all of the blessings of Heaven will never satisfy us.
This Thanksgiving, don’t just say “Thank you” for your blessings and make out a list of new ones you want for the next big holiday (Christmas); draw near to the Source, and you will find contentment strong enough to carry you through Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the hectic 12 days before Christmas. Like the thankful ex-leper, your gratitude will guarantee you always have enough.
Article by Cam Edwards
0 Comments