Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)Sample

This encounter beautifully illustrates the difference between God’s character and that of man. Although the lepers themselves had called out to Jesus and were ready to receive healing, only one of them remembered to return and express his gratitude. On the other hand, I believe that Jesus knew in advance who he would meet, and that is why it is incredible that he waited for these people to return later, even though he knew how it would end.

This makes me think about our relationship with God. How do our encounters with him end? Do we remember him only on certain days when our lives are not going well, or something is bothering us?

In this text, Jesus healed ten people, but then he did much more and healed all of us on the cross - not from illness, but from death itself. As he himself said: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

So let us take a lesson from these passages and remember our savior every day, not just when we “need him.” Let us thank Him for all the gifts He gives us, including eternal life. He longs for this, and waits for us to come to Him as children to our father, to create a close relationship with him. There is truly no greater blessing than that.

Decide today to embark on a path of greater gratitude to God for all that He does in your life. Give thanks for the specific things in your life.