Remembering to Thank God: Lessons from the Ten Lepers

By Harold Robertson, Jr.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

The gift of salvation—a personal relationship with almighty God—what an indescribable gift it is! Yet, how often do we sincerely thank the Lord for all that He has done for us? Do we pause to offer praise for the immense sacrifice that made this possible, or do we sometimes let it pass by, overshadowed by the wonders of our transformed lives? We must reflect on how easy it is to take our blessings for granted, just like the ten lepers in the story found in Luke 17:11-19.

Only one leper returned to Jesus after being healed, expressing his gratitude. The other nine, swept away by the joy of being made whole, forgot the One who brought the miracle. They got caught up in their newfound freedom, the sense of amazement, the excitement of the transformation—forgetting, at least momentarily, to go back and thank Jesus. Do we ever do the same?

Imagine the deep regret that must have followed those nine ungrateful lepers. How often did they recall the missed opportunity to go back and thank the Savior who had healed them? Many times, in our lives, we also find ourselves saying, “I meant to go back.” I meant to go back and say thank you to the Lord for waking me up this morning, for seeing me through the valleys, for providing for me. But instead, we get caught up in the joy and fulfillment of answered prayers.

This reference is inspired by Osbeck, K. W. (1996). Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (p. 353). Kregel Publications. It reminds us that our gratitude should extend beyond the blessings we receive. We ought to praise God for who He is and for His abundant grace in saving us. As the song says:

Chorus:

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul; thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free.”

Let us be like the one leper who returned. Let us not just mean to go back, but actually take the steps to go back and give thanks to our God for His grace and salvation—the greatest gift of all.

Pause today and praise God for Himself and His gift of personal salvation. Remember that our gratitude is not merely about the good things that happen to us; it is about the One who gives the ultimate gift—our salvation.

—–

For Reflection:

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

—–

Take time today to reflect and give thanks. Don’t let it be something you meant to do. Go back, and give Him the praise He deserves.