My Come, Follow Me studies this week took me to Luke 12-17 and John 11 in a lesson titled “Rejoice with Me; for I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost.” The lesson was preceded by this counsel: “As you read Luke 12-17 and John 11, prayerfully seek what Heavenly Father wants you to know and do. Your study of these chapters can open your heart to messages meant just for you.” The lesson was then introduced with this paragraph.
In most situations, 99 out of 100 would be
considered excellent – but not when such numbers stand for beloved children of
God (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). In that case, even one soul merits a
thorough, desperate search “until [we] find it” (Luke 15:4), as the Savior
taught in the parable of the lost sheep. Then the rejoicing can begin, for “joy
shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and
nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). If that seems unfair,
it’s helpful to remember that, in truth, there are none who “need no
repentance.” We all need rescuing. And we all can participate in the rescue,
rejoicing together over every soul who is saved (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16).
This
scripture block contains several parables, but I will discuss a real-life story
of the Ten Lepers. Let’s first look at the scripture.
11 And
it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of
Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village,
there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices,
and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said
unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as
they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was
healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his
feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not
ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give
glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way:
thy faith hath made thee whole.
(Luke 17:11-19)
If
you had been one of the ten lepers that were cleansed, would you return to
thank the Savior? You might IF you are in the practice of showing gratitude for
the blessings in your life. If you thank you spouse for preparing dinner or
washing the car or cleaning the house, you might thank the Savior. However, if
you are one of the many people who feel entitled to more than they have, you
probably would not think about expressing gratitude.
All
ten of the lepers were cleansed from leprosy, but they were told to go to the
priest to be pronounced clean and worthy to re-enter society. One of the lepers
noticed that his body was healed. He knew the Source of the blessing, and he
returned to thank the Giver of the blessing.
Social
scientists discovered from their studies that expressing gratitude makes us
feel better. Several years ago, I adopted a new way of life: each night as I make
my journal entry, I list five blessings for which I am grateful. They may be
the same five blessings as I listed the previous day, or they may be five new
blessings.
Two years ago, as the world suffered with the COVID-19 pandemic, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a special message to the world. His message is still good, and I recommend it highly. You can find a video of his message here.
Did
you notice that the thankful leper received an additional blessing? You might
want to ponder the words that the Savior said to him: “Thy faith hath made thee
whole” (verse 19). Faith and gratitude are related because they both help us to
become whole. I invite you to strengthen your faith and become whole by
expressing gratitude for your blessings.
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