A Word from the Superintendent

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A Word from the Superintendent

R. Ann Kanagy

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 [a] 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: 1119

This story of ten lepers challenges me to consider my attitude.

Ten men were ill with a fatal disease. Ten men had no hope at all for a future except to waste away in a barren place removed from family and friends.

But then the Lord came to their area…

Ten men called, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” And the Lord of all, Creator of heaven and earth, heard their cry and healed them. He answered their request.

The response of the ten men is what challenges me at this point…

Ten men were healed, one man returned to say, “THANKS!” In fact, scripture says this man came back, praising God in a loud voice. And, he threw himself at Jesus’ feet in worship!

This man did not merely say “thank you.” He shouted a loud, public expression of praise and thanks to the One who healed him. This is not an isolated incident. The Psalms are full of examples of King David and others shouting and singing loud praises to our God and King. Praises that are given in response to the incredible blessing the Lord has generously shared with us.

Carol Owens reminds us in the July/August 2005 issue of PRAY! that this is a repeated and important scriptural principle: God’s answers to prayer are meant to accomplish far more than the fulfillment of our needs. They are intended to elicit praise from us—and begin an ongoing circle of blessing in His kingdom.

I am reminded of this principle as I reflect on the Lord’s blessing through the annual school sale several weeks ago. God’s people prayed and worked, and God provided the increase in an incredible way.

It’s never about us; it’s always about Him.

Join with me in giving Him loud praise and thanksgiving for His blessings—let’s begin an ongoing circle of blessing in His kingdom.

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