7 LESSONS FROM THE LEPER THAT RETURNED TO GIVE THANKS ( LUKE 17 vs 11 - 19)
1. He was still on the Journey when he discovered he was healed. He hadn't gotten to the destination Jesus sent them to, but he turned back mid way. DON'T WAIT FOR THE PROCESS TO BE COMPLETE BEFORE YOU START YOUR THANKSGIVING.
2. Jesus called him a stranger. Apparently, the others weren't . They were a little familiar with the person and works of Jesus. They didn't return to give thanks. DON'T ALLOW FAMILIARITY TO MURDER YOUR THANKSGIVING. Never allow the blessings of God to be so familiar you that you feel entitled to what you should be grateful about.
3. He was the only One that returned to give Thanks. Jesus asked, where are the nine? Just maybe if you look around, You will discover GRATEFUL PEOPLE AREN'T ALWAYS IN THE MAJORITY. Be that One Person that will return to give thanks.
4. This leper could have thanked the person or persons that positioned him there to see Jesus or maybe the person or persons that told him about Jesus but He knew where his THANKS should go to. DON'T GIVE MAN THE THANKS THAT SHOULD GO TO GOD.
5. This leper returned with a loud voice . He couldn't keep quiet. HONOR GOD WITH YOUR EXUBERANT PRAISE AND EXTRAVAGANT WORSHIP. Why bother about those who weren't there when God picked you from the dust and helped you. When he healed you, forgave you, delivered you, helped your family, cleared your confusion. Now, its Thanksgiving time and you are seeking their approval to dance, sing or shout. Come on, they don't know your story.
6. When he was looking for help, he cried from a distance but when he returned with his Thanks, he was right there at the feet of the Master. THANKSGIVING BROUGHT HIM CLOSER TO JESUS. There is certainly something about our Gratitude to God that breeds intimacy in the Spirit.
7. Jesus said 'Thy Faith has made thee whole'. He was healed and not whole but Thanksgiving perfected it. THANKSGIVING IS A PERFECTER. When we return with THANKSGIVING, whatsoever that is missing is fully restored. Nothing Missing; Nothing Broken!
