September 10th

SEPTEMBER 10th

Again…

Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Let’s notice some things in this passage that we may not have before. These 10 lepers, were required to call out “unclean!” everywhere they went when people were around. Everywhere they went…they were required to declare their condition to everyone around them. Their life was limited by their condition. They were outcasts and unable to see their families or friends. They were unable to enjoy seeing their kids grow up or even have any if they contracted leprosy before they were married. They were unable to attend parties, holidays, celebrations, or even “church” services. They were not allowed to be in town and see festivities or even everyday life. They were sentenced to live in “camps” outside of town in squalid conditions. They had to announce their condemned condition to everyone, everywhere.

…Except when it came to Jesus. They had heard He was different. They heard He did miraculous things. So when He came upon a village and was about to enter they cried out to Him. They didn’t cry out “unclean!” They cried out, “ Mercy!”

This is the way it is with Jesus. It doesn’t matter what filth you carry, what past you have, what sin you have hidden, what you are ashamed of, or what you have tried to forget. In His presence it does not identify you. In His presence, you only have to cry out for His Mercy! Jesus knew that only 1 would come back and thank Him, but He still healed all 10 didn’t He?!

He knows our need for mercy and He freely gives it to those who ask. He didn’t ask for payment or deny those who He knew would not return to worship Him.

Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

He LONGS to be gracious to us!!!

Lord, thank you for your mercy. Thank you for freely giving your mercy to me. Thank you for giving me mercy even though I don’t deserve it. Help me to quit holding on to my old identity and my old guilt and help me to walk in your mercy and freely show your mercy to others.