“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice” (Lk. 17:15)

Can we say today, “Thank You, Lord!”

Do we have cause to celebrate Jesus, our Redeemer and King Eternal?

Can anyone of His children refuse Him what He deserves today?

Think back as far as you remember. How was your life? Did you ever think you would be where you are if the Lord hadn’t been on your side—if He had not saved you?

Now think about some people from your childhood, where they are, and their current condition. Do you think you are who you are now because you were better than them? What was it in you that obligated God to save you? Nothing but the grace of God!

Do you see the filth into which you were born and lived until His grace gripped you? Maybe you don’t. That is why you cannot open your heart to God today and your mouth to thank Him. That is the reason you cannot appreciate Him.

Now, close your eyes. See the darkness that engulfs you? Plug your ears. Can you believe the silence and how deafening it becomes? Imagine the chains on your hands and feet and regard the limitations they put on your mobility. Think of being leprous and visualize how your children run from you—how they refuse to drink from the same cup as you.

Now you got it. You understand the joy of the Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus for healing him (Luke 17:15.

But do you know you have just described your condition before Christ took hold of you?

So, why do you hurry away to enjoy your healing without regard for the Healer? Why do you behave as if you healed yourself? Do you think you deserved it? Is it not funny how you strut around like you could pay God for your salvation?

Come on now, be like the Samaritan for once. Run to Jesus and kneel before Him in total submission and with absolute humility—your heart overflowing with thanksgiving and praise. Go on! Open your mouth for once and tell Him how much you love Him for who He is—loving, merciful, and gracious. Praise Him for the glory of His holy and exalted name. Say, “Thank you, Lord, for uniting my life with your life—the favor and privilege of partaking in your divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Move your body for once, my friend, for the Lord deserves your dance of praise. Dance like David danced and drew the scorn of his wife (Samuel 6:14-16). Remember the response of David and have the same mindset in your dance today (21-22). Abandon yourself in Christ and let yourself go with a ‘crazy dance’ for His glory and honor.

Now, follow Him like the man born blind did when Christ gave him sight (Jn. 9:1-41). Leap and jump with the children of God as the lame man Peter healed in the name of our risen Christ and followed them to witness His glorious name to the world (Acts 3:6-10).

Yes, my friend, God saved you to be an everlasting testimony to the incomparable riches of His grace expressed in His kindness to you in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).

So, thank God today and rejoice in your salvation.

Happy Thanksgiving Sunday!