Our Scripture reading today is Luke 17:15-16.
Verse 16, "And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."
Yesterday, we saw the power of God on display when all the leprous men were healed simply by starting to go toward the priest. They obeyed the instructions of the Lord Jesus and their faith resulted in their healing. Obedience brought blessing then and it still does today.
One might think that all ten men who were healed would have been at the feet of the One Who healed them. Unfortunately, that is not what happened. The text tells us that only one man humbly returned to the Lord and gave Him the thanks that he deserved. We also find out that he was a Samaritan. The least likely to give thanks was the only one who gave thanks. The one who was looked down on in spite of his leprosy, was thankful. All ten men were willing to do a religious ceremony; that is go to the priest. Only one man was filled with true praise and thanksgiving. “External religious exercises are easy enough, and common enough; but the internal matter, the drawing out of the heart in thankful love, how scarce a thing it is! Nine obey ritual where only one praises the Lord.” (Spurgeon)
Be thankful today and every day!