Saying thank you

"Thank you Jesus." This is how I start my prayer time each day, with these three words. There is so much to be thankful for. A list of specific things would go on and on and on. But sometimes in the making of that list of things, our focus can sway from Jesus to the things.

So sometimes it is good to pause and simply say, "Thank you Jesus."

The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers reminds us of this. 

Jesus traveled on toward Jerusalem and passed through the border region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one village, ten men approached him, but they kept their distance, for they were lepers. They shouted to him, "Mighty Lord, our wonderful Master! Won't you have mercy on us and heal us?" Luke 17:11-13 TPT

How many times have we shouted out to Jesus, "Please help me Jesus, I need you. Please help me to get through this day." 

When Jesus stopped to look at them, he spoke these words, "Go to be examined by the Jewish priests."  They set off, and they were healed while walking along the way. Luke 17:14 TPT

Jesus heard their shouting and responded, telling them what to do. They obeyed. Jesus healed them on the way.

One of them, a foreigner from Samaria, when he discovered that he was completely healed, turned back to find Jesus, shouting out joyous praises and glorifying God.  When he found Jesus, he fell down at his feet and thanked him over and over, saying to him, "You are the Messiah." This man was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 TPT

Only one of the ten came back and gave thanks. He recognised who Jesus was. Then Jesus inquires about the other nine.

"So where are the other nine?" asked Jesus. "Weren't there ten who were healed? They all refused to return to give thanks and give glory to God except you, a foreigner from Samaria?" Then Jesus said to the healed man lying at his feet, "Arise and go. It was your faith that brought you salvation and healing." Luke 17:17-19 TPT

Jesus is merciful. He hears our shouts. He responds.

Then it is up to us...

Do we obey? 

Do we give thanks? 

Do we get greater revelation of who Jesus is?

Do we remember?

This morning I was reading this in Revelation ...

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4 NKJV

The Amplified version really does amplify it ....

But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. Revelation 2:4 AMPC

Urggghhh.  Selah - pause and think on that.

Simply pausing regularly and saying a heartfelt, "Thank you Jesus" can help us maintain and nuture the love we have for Him. So let's take time to do that today.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are]  in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMPC