Jesus commands us to be obedient

I love the story in Luke 17:11-19 with the 10 lepers. You read about 10 men who were isolated due to leprosy, a skin eating disease. They were isolated, sick, and wounded in several ways. They see Jesus is walking nearby and cry out to him for healing, and he does.

There are a few pieces to this story that stick out to me. First, we read that Jesus commands them to first “go, show yourselves to the priests” and then they were healed. Often times we expect healing to come when we want it without walking in obedience. Jesus commands us to be obedient and often times, that’s when we see a healing come whether it’s physical, relational, or even financial. 

Second, we read that only ONE man came back to praises Jesus. What happened to the other nine? Maybe they went home to their families and loved ones. Maybe they went to do something they’ve been longing to do for so long but haven’t been able to because of isolation. Whatever it was, I know they were ecstatic. But we read the reaction of the one. He went back to Jesus, threw himself at his feet and begun to praise Jesus! You see, he changed his posture to worship Jesus. This takes effort and choosing to praise Jesus.  

This is a powerful story about obedience, healing and praise. We must be people who are obedient in Jesus. We must be people who praise Jesus because he is the source of all our healing and more. I challenge you, be someone who has an obedient and thankful heart to Jesus Christ. I promise it is so worth it!