And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned… and glorified God Luke 7:15

In the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed, only one returned. He responded to his healing by turning back to Jesus, falling at His feet, giving thanks and glorifying God. The Samaritan leper was like the paralytic whom Jesus healed on the Sabbath. For both of them, gratitude was immediate, loud and specifically praised God.

When Jesus asked, “where are the other nine,” He wasn’t questioning their ingratitude toward Him personally, but pointing out their ignorance and ingratitude to the Father. Jesus’ ministry always focused on giving glory and honor to the Father, not Himself. Jesus was never satisfied to address what was apparent or superficial in men. His questions turned men’s souls inside out.

Our gratitude has to be more than words, more than thank you God for this favor or that blessing or helping me in such and such a mess. I confess to such responses far too often. I spend a few minutes in prayers of thanksgiving – and truly, I am very grateful. The intent is the right one, but does it go far enough according to Jesus response to the healed leper? How rarely do the best of prayers become worshipful “falling at His feet and glorifying God.”

Since Jesus admonished the nine lepers who did not return, then let the Holy Spirit also convict us if we don’t fully focus on God’s abounding grace toward us. Gratitude is incomplete unless it moves us to fall before Jesus and give the Father every glory due His Name.  Whenever God answers our prayers, whether it is “yes, no, or not yet, ” we have the beautiful opportunity to give God praise and glory with more than a Hallmark response.    Like the leper, like the paralytic and the blind men whom Jesus healed, return to give thanks at the feet of the Savior with hearts wide open. Does not our loving Father deserve more than a dash of thanks dropped into the spiritual mailbox?

Will it be through music, song or poetry? Will it be through a time of rest and peace in His presence? Will it be with kindness and  love toward another? Will it be in silent adoration?  Will it be  searching the Scriptures for new revelation,  discovering more and more reasons   to glorify God?   The Holy Spirit which convicts will also show how God desires us to respond through the Word and through our  unique gifts. Thus, we pray –

Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1. Timothy 1:17

“A  leper now cleansed embraces His Lord,
The  healed paralytic  dances for joy –
In bowed adoration, their hearts become songs
of thanksgiving and praise to the glory of God. ”