During WW2, US General Douglas MacArthur was ordered by the president to leave his troops and the people of the Philippines in order to avoid capture. Disappointed, he famously stated “I shall return”. Two and a half years later, he kept his promise and helped free the people from their cruel occupiers. He then stated, “People of the Philippines: I… have returned...”
You and I might not be visible on the world stage as MacArthur was, but we should commit to our return… to God. Luke 17 tells us of Jesus healing ten men diseased with leprosy after they had begged for mercy. It reads, “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?”. Then he said to him, “Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.”
This event should give us mixed feelings. We see the immeasurable beauty of God’s grace, the kindness of Jesus, and, the outpouring of gratefulness from a man who had been vexed.
But, Jesus shows disappointment that only one of the ten made the effort to give the Lord appropriate appreciation.
Many times in our excitement and joy we fail to return thanks for our blessings and answered prayers, similar to the nine lepers who enjoyed their healing, but just went on their merry way. Remember: there can be no blessings, without a Blesser. So make sure YOU return to God.
