Give Thanks Loudly

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” 

Luke 17:11–19 

In the story of Jesus healing ten men with leprosy, nine hurried on their way, thrilled to be healed of their terrible, disfiguring disease. One, however, paused in the road and turned back, “praising God in a loud voice.” Then “he threw himself at Jesus’s feet and thanked him.”  

Jesus wondered aloud, “Where are the other nine?” They had loudly cried for pity and help. But only one thought to give thanks, and he did so loudly. He was just as earnest about his thanksgiving as he was about his asking.  

We cry aloud to God for His help, as we should. But when He answers, we must also cry aloud our thanks and praise. Yes, out loud. Let people know what God has done for you. No, God isn’t deaf, but it’s good for us—and good for others—when we vocalize our thanks with enthusiasm and joy. 

Lord, this really speaks to me. I’m the first one pounding on Your door when I’m afraid or in pain or I’m facing some problem I don’t know how to resolve. But so many times I just take Your answers for granted. Oh Jesus, thank You for Your care. Thank You for Your help. Starting right now, I will tell others of Your goodness and how You’ve answered me.