Where are the other nine or 19,999?

A few nights ago the NBA Championship was decided. The Boston fans, understandably, were jubilant in there celebration. I wonder what would have happened if only one fan in the entire crowd would have celebrated wildly at the end of the game, complete with green and white face paint, fist pumps, and screaming until hoarseness took over. Imagine every other fan in the building quietly gathering up the family and very quietly and orderly leaving the building. That would be a surreal site, especially considering that the home team won the championship. Could all of these fans have witnessed the same thing and reacted so differently from the one fanatic fan? Consider the following account from the gospel of Luke.

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19)

To me this is as surreal as the hypothetical Boston Celtic, one-fan celebration. Jesus asked “Was no one found to return and give praise to God?” Have you ever been in a worship service and seen some worshiping so intently and sincerely while nearby others seemed to take part in an almost routine way? This might naturally cause you to wonder if they all witnessed the same miraculous change in there life? Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed?” The Leper who returned to praise and give thanks, did what you would expect from someone healed of such a horrible disease, one that was physically, socially, and emotionally debilitating. The actions of the other nine lepers is baffling. Our praise for God should be like the Samaritan leper.

Bringing healing and victory to us cost Jesus His very life, don’t be among the nine. Rise up and praise Him, He deserves our love.

Our Father’s good Pleasure

“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind…. your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:29-32)

In this passage, Jesus tells us two wonderful things about our heavenly Father: First, he knows our needs, and is faithful to provide for those who seek His Kingdom. Secondly, giving His kingdom to us is a pleasure for God.

The Phrase, “Your Father’s good pleasure” might better be translated: “God chose it gladly.” To me this is a beautiful verse that shows our heavenly Father’s amazing love for us. There is a great price that had to be paid to give us the kingdom; He chose it gladly.

Many people have less than perfect relationships with their earthly father, others have mourned the loss of their fathers, and Father’s Day is a painful reminder for them. Be encouraged, our eternal heavenly Father gladly chose to love us. Happy Father’s Day.

The Greatest Cause

We live in a unique time in history. Even the richest and most influential people in our world are not satisfied with merely enjoying the spoils of wealth. It seems that everyone has a cause to champion. Giving back to society in some ways is almost expected today. Indeed, if we see need all around us, and we do nothing of purpose, our lives are a waste. There are many worthy outlets or causes to get behind, preserving animal habitat for whales and owls, getting bent up light bulbs that use less energy, and turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth, are a few of them.

In recent years in Christian circles, much has been made of fining purpose for our lives. Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven life,” was a number one best seller. The reason for the success of this book is likely due to the fact that we all want to make a difference for God with the short time that we are here on earth. The secret is finding out practical ways to do this. I read something yesterday that could be used to form the perfect mission statement for all people.

The greatest cause in the world is joyfully rescuing people from hell, meeting their earthly needs, making them glad in God, and doing it with a kind, serious pleasure that makes Christ look like the Treasure he is. John Piper.

This statement contains many key elements for a fruitful Christian life; evangelism, serving people, praise and worship, and discipleship. If you are anything like me, it is hard to remember a twelve step list for happiness. Even trying to remember four steps might be a stretch. I challenge you to study the quote above, put it on a note-card if it helps. If this was the cause that God’s people all joined in on, God could use to make a difference that lasts an eternity.