Giving thanks to God is a joyful expression of
man’s deep appreciation toward God’s loving-
kindness. In Thessalonians 5:18 it is written, In
every thing give thanks: for it is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Who says Thanksgiving Day only happens on
November? Surely, thanksgiving is everyday for
those who are aware of and have experienced God’s
mercies. When we give thanks to God, we are not
only expressing our gratitude, but also
fulfilling God’s blessed will for us. It delights
Him every time we give Him thanks for every thing.
The Biblical account of the Ten Lepers gives
us an opportunity to reassess ourselves before
the holy presence of God, that we may have a
deeper and wider understanding about our Lord’s
character and His merciful dealings to people who
are unworthy to receive special attention. This
soul-touching story will gradually change our
different views of giving thanks to God. It will
lead us to a more significant way of honoring the
Lord Jesus Christ and a higher level of joy
produced by appropriated thanksgiving.
There is always the danger of giving thanks
through our lips without even understanding from
our hearts. Hypocrisy and selfishness are the
unpleasant fruits of this unguarded way of giving
thanks. This kind of attitude will lead
unthankful people to more abuses to the mercies
of God.
The healed Samaritan leper exhibited a
typical example of a blessed man who was really
touched through the loving mercy of God. He
realized who they were and what God has done for
them. He was mindful of his wonderful blessing
from the Lord as he turned back, and with a loud
voice, glorified God.
(I) Returned And Thanked God For His Mercy
Luke 17:11-13
-The lepers asked mercy
Asking mercy from God is a clear acceptance of
one’s wretchedness and unworthiness to receive
special favor from our Heavenly Father. It’s a
simple but honest request to God that He may
withhold what we really deserve, and to give us
blessings which we don’t really deserve. The ten
lepers asked mercy from the Lord and the Lord
gave them what they did not deserve. The story
of the ten lepers is an excellent display of our
Lord’s mercy toward sinful men like we are.
In Hebrews 5:16 it is written, Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need.
In spite of what we have done, the Lord is
still merciful to us extending His loving hands
to give help in times of great need. May we not
abuse God’s mercy, but be thoughtful of His
extended mercy. We must not neglect to give
thanks unto Him. For all we know, He is worthy to
be praised!
(II) Returned And Thanked God For His Mindfulness
Luke 17:14
-The Lord gave them His attention
In many parts of the world, many beggars are
being seen sitting or walking in the crowded
streets asking alms from people they thought they
could receive some help, but they are just being
ignored. They are being marked as eyesores of the
society and not treated well because of their
physical and financial status in life. They are
unwanted and an objects of criticism. Only few
people have shown care for them, but think for a
moment and realize that Jesus cares.
(III) Returned And Thanked God For His Wonderful
Miracle
Luke 17: 14, 15
-They were cleansed
The cleansing of the ten lepers was a
wonderful miracle of God. The cleansed lepers
became a part of the Lord’s miracle through their
faith in Him. What a relevant reminder for us
all. How many people are praying for blessings
and miracles of God to come to their lives? How
many people are asking for grace and mercy from
God? And yet when these blessings come, how many
of them will turn to the Lord and kneel down and
glorify God as they give their whole hearted
thanksgiving? May every believer be found
faithful in giving thanks to God. He is worthy to
be praised!
(IV) Returned And Thanked God For His Grace
Luke 17:16-19
-He was a Samaritan
Grace is a barrier breaker. Grace is
undeserved favor that comes from our Heavenly
Father and can be received through faith in our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In verse 19 we
read, And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way:
thy faith hath made thee whole. Certainly, the
Lord saw his faith in Him, faith that pleases
God. Without faith we can’t please God, but with
our simple faith in Him, grace is always assured.
Truly, thanksgiving to God is an amazing fruit
of a well-appreciated mercy and grace that comes
from God. To the Jews, Samaritans and especially
to Gentiles, may this life-changing message be
pondered upon and be a part of our lives as we
continue giving thanks unto the Lord as long as
we have our beings.
Give Thanks To God
Give thanks unto the Lord,
For His wonderful love,
His mercy and grace,
The sinner’s delight!
The Lord’s faithfulness,
Christ’s mindfulness,
Thanks to God.
His daily provision,
His care and protection,
His countless blessings,
His long-suffering,
Salvation so great,
Fellowship so sweet,
God is worthy to be praised!
By Jose B. Cabajar
