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A Thankful Heart
Introduction:
Read Luke 17:11-19. In the Bible, leprosy is
a broad term for a variety of infectious skin diseases. A
modern disease that would probably be similar is “Hansen’s
Disease” which is spread by multiple skin contacts as well
as nasal secretions. Some of the symptoms of leprosy
included disfigurement of skin and bones, twisting of limbs,
curling of fingers, tumor-like growths [lepromos], and loss
of pain sensation.
In the Bible, lepers were the true
“untouchables.” They were to live in isolation as outcasts.
(Numbers 5:2-3, Leviticus 13:45-46) The leper had to make it
clear that people were to avoid him. He lived a terrible
life.
This text provides us with several lessons
that today we need to take to heart.
Body:
I.
The Sin of Ingratitude
·
Characteristic of wicked/ungodly (Romans
1:18-21, II Timothy 3:2)
·
Family and friends (Job 19:14)
·
Servants/workers (Job 19:15-16)
·
Those who have helped you (Ecclesiastes 9:15)
·
Those in distress (Psalm 38:11)
·
Those not thankful to God (Isaiah 1:2-3,
Psalm 106:21, Deuteronomy 32:18)
II.
The Blessing of Gratitude
·
Be thankful for God’s love. The society of
the 1st Century Palestine did not prompt Jesus to
help these lepers. They were shunned by society because of
their appearance [dirty, bodies smelled] and because of
their infectious disease. So why did Jesus show concern? He
had love and compassion. His love extends to the heavens;
(Psalm 36:5) and it never ceases. (Lamentations 3:22)
·
Be thankful for the cleansing power of
Christ’s blood. These ten lepers had a horrible disease that
could not be helped by a simple washing [even with lye
soap]. They did not have a prescription medicine they could
take. No man could cure them, only Jesus the Christ. The
lesson for us is that Jesus’ blood is the only cure for
mankind’s spiritual disease – sin. (Romans 5:9 – Romans
6:3-4) Today if some man discovered a cure for an “incurable
disease” which we had, we would rush to him and thank him
over and over again. That’s how we should feel about Christ.
(I Peter 1:18-21)
·
Be thankful for Christ’s Fellowship. Christ
desired that all ten lepers come back and have fellowship
with Him. Today only those cleansed of their sins and who
have been purified can have this wonderful fellowship. (I
John 1:3-4, 6-7) This fellowship grants us the privilege of
direct access to God. (Hebrews 4:16)
Conclusion:
Whatever you do, do not fail to have a
thankful heart.
(Habakkuk 3:17-19) “Though the fig tree may
not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of
the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food, Though the
flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in
the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in
the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He
will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk
on my high hills.” NKJV
Bobby Stafford
November 24, 2013
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