The One Who Came Back To Say Thank you
In the days before Thanksgiving, our lists get a little longer. There are groceries to bring home, linens to wash, and people to make room for at the table. If someone asks what we’re thankful for, we can usually think of something right away. The harder thing, at least when the day is moving fast, is to stop long enough to tell God.
There’s a story in Luke about ten people who asked Jesus for mercy. All ten received it. One turned around.
As They Went
In Luke 17:11–19, ten men with leprosy stand at a distance and call out to Jesus. He tells them to go and show themselves to the priests, who could examine them and confirm that they were clean. Luke tells us they were healed as they went. They had already started walking when they saw what Jesus had done.
Imagine what that walk might have felt like. They had called to Jesus from a distance. Now there was the possibility of going home, of standing close enough to speak without raising their voices, of sitting down to eat with the people they loved.
One of the men sees that he has been healed, turns back, and praises God aloud. Then he falls at Jesus’ feet and thanks Him. Luke tells us he was a Samaritan. The man Jesus calls a stranger is the one who comes near.
Earlier in the story, the man had lifted his voice to ask for mercy. Now he uses that same voice to give thanks. And where he once stood at a distance, he is close enough to kneel at Jesus’ feet.
Remembering What We Prayed For
Jesus asks where the other nine are. Luke leaves us with the question. It’s a good one to sit with, especially when we think of how easily one concern gives way to the next.
We may pray for a safe drive and arrive already thinking about what needs unloading from the car. We may ask God for patience before a difficult conversation and forget, afterward, how different it felt when there was enough patience on both sides to hear each other. How often have we prayed for something in the middle of the night and, when morning brought a little relief, gone on to the next thing?
Some of us are still waiting for the answer to a prayer we’ve prayed for a long time. If that’s where you are this Sunday, there’s room in your prayer for both the ache of waiting and the kindness you’ve received along the way. Maybe it was someone who called on the day you needed to hear a familiar voice. Maybe it was enough strength to do what the day asked of you. You can thank God for that one thing and ask again for what you still need. Both belong in the same prayer.
A Moment to Turn Back
Sometime today, while the kettle heats or before you turn out the light, think of one thing you asked God for and then went on with your day when it came. Say what it was, in the plainest words you have. Thank You for getting her home safely. Thank You for the friend who stayed a little longer. Thank You for helping me get through that afternoon.
And if tonight all you can think of is the thing you’re still waiting for, you can begin there. The story opens with a cry for mercy. Jesus heard that prayer, too.
A Sunday Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for hearing us when we call. Bring to mind a kindness we hurried past this week so we can thank You for it by name. Be near to those who are still waiting for an answer, especially those who are tired of waiting. And in the full days ahead, give us a quiet moment to turn back to You.