Monday, October 9, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Luke 17:11–19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” (NRSV)

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Reflection
The story of this Samaritan is very well known. It’s one of the first stories we learn about in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. It’s a reminder to be grateful for all our blessings that God personally hand picks for us. It’s remembering to not only share the gospel good news with others but also to give thanks, praise, and honor to the one who gives us these miracles, deliverance, healings, and all other various forms of gifts.

The lepers received healing that gave them a new beginning and a new way to live their lives. However, for the one who returned, he not only received healing and life anew, but because he came back to thank Jesus, he also received “wholeness.” He was healed physically and spiritually and would thereby live in a oneness with God that could only happen when fellowshipping with God. Yes, we can make our requests known to God, but the real blessing is in acknowledging and appreciating all God does for us.

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Prayer
Lord, even in the midst of our busyness we take the time to recognize your bountiful blessings and thank you for all that you have done in our lives and continue to do. We fully recognize that you sustain us and are the true source of our supply, and with that we are blessed by the spiritual wholeness that we have in you. In Jesus’ name we thank and praise you. Amen.

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Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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