Grateful Or Wicked?
Wednesday, October 28
Luke 17:16-17 (ESV)
“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?”
Devoción
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked and encouraged us to do likewise (Luke 6:35). In the longer passage containing today’s verses, Jesus demonstrated this aspect of the Father’s character. How merciful! How gracious! Those who have trusted and surrendered to Jesus can look back and recognize the kindness of God while they were still His enemies.
However, we see in 2 Timothy 3:1–2 that “terrible times in the last days” are marked by people being ungrateful, among other sins. A lack of gratitude reveals attitudes of spiritual entitlement and lukewarmness, which God hates (Revelation 3:15–17). Scripture consistently warns against taking pride in blessings and accomplishments without giving thanks to God as the One who provided the opportunities, ability, and success. Let us take care not to put ourselves among the “ungrateful and wicked” by neglecting to be thankful; rather, let us acknowledge God’s help to Him and others.
Moreover, there are spiritual blessings that come from living a life of gratitude, in times of peace as well as times of trial. Gratitude shifts the heart to trust in Jesus, preparing the way for God’s saving power, deliverance, and peace. Psalm 50:23 reveals that a “thank offering” honors God and opens the way for Him to reveal salvation. What a promise!
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Thank You for all that You have done for me. I can see Your hand of mercy working in my life before I trusted and surrendered to Jesus. I am sure there are many more times You have been merciful to me, and I didn’t even know it. Oh Lord, incline my heart to reverence Your Name, to live a holy life, and to live a grateful life. If You had only provided the way for salvation through Jesus Christ, that would have been enough, but You have provided and are providing much more, physically and spiritually. I praise and thank You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Incorporate giving thanks to God into your daily prayer time as well as throughout the day. When a thought of gratitude briefly occurs, train yourself to pause and give thanks to God aloud (reverence and awe). In times of trial or stress, thank God for His past provision as you lay the current burden at His feet, in obedience to His invitation and command (Philippians 4:6–7). With practice, gratitude will become your heart’s regular response, which is pleasing to the Lord Jesus, as today’s passage shows.
Recursos
- Take a moment to watch “Praise Is Our Purpose” and be reminded that we were created to glorify God! Let praise be more than a song; let it be the way we live, in every season and circumstance.