He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet.’ Luke 17:16 ‘Jesus Master, have mercy on us.; verse 13.They were ten desperate lepers, sick, lonely and ostracized. Skin rotting away, no care, segregation,, cut off from the rest of society. No wonder they banded together, no one else would mix with them.
They cried out to Jesus for pity, not really believing He could heal them, so when they examined their perfectly healed skin and those of their friends, they were overwhelmed. It seemed as if they only thought about getting to the priest to have their healing confirmed. Then next they would be sharing the good news with their families and friends. It was not on their to-do list to thank the Physician. Only one came back and fell on his face at the feet of Jesus.
Before we start to condemn the nine, let’s look at our own lives. God hasn’t only healed us, He’s given us everything we need, He’s filled our lives with joy, blessings , salvation and eternal life. In the Old Testament the patriarchs built stone pillars to commemorate special blessings to them as a permanent reminder of God’s goodness. We can’t do that today and we wonder how we can show appreciation for all God has done for us.
What about using Christina’s Rossetti’s words.
What can I give Him, poor as I am, if I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man, I would do my part, yet what I can, I give Him, give my heart.