Luke 17:11-19
Reflect
I have read this passage numerous times and am continually challenged by the response of the nine lepers. All ten who had leprosy came near to Jesus and asked Him to have pity on them. Did you notice that part?They came near Jesus, but stood at a distance. They wanted something from Jesus, but were not really wanting Jesus to see them up close, or get to know them. Jesus had pity on them, healed them, and nine of them didn’t even stop to thank Jesus for answering their request and showing pity. It’s as if they had an entitlement attitude. They were entitled to Jesus’ pity. After reading this passage I am forced to stop and reflect on my own life and examine if I am more like the nine than the one. Have I taken an entitled stance in my life and kept Jesus at a distance, or am I truly thankful and draw near to Jesus and say thank you?
Pastor Terry
Pray for Scott and Olga - East Asia
We are currently shepherding a young church that we helped plant several years ago. These young professionals living in a large urban centre face pressure from parents to marry, pressure from supervisors to work overtime and pressure from the culture to make money life’s primary pursuit. Government suppression and increased surveillance of churches is also an added challenge. Yet, the greatest challenge is for each one of them to have Jesus truly reign as King in each of their lives as they learn to follow Him in everyday life. Please pray for steady spiritual growth in the lives of each one of these young believers. Please pray that the Good News would go forward with the Holy Spirit’s power into their networks of relationships. Please pray that Olga and I could nourish and equip each brother and sister so that they could, in turn, become mature believers who do the same for others.