As I read our passage today and meditate on it, I am reminded of how few of us remember to look backward to praise, not dwell on the past, but to really see God for Who He is and how He responded to those many moments of pain and heartache, shout for joy and then give Him glory for where we stand now.

God gives us memories so we can praise Him not so we can wallow in the past and be kept down by it. Look back to praise then move on!

Luke 17, The Message
11-13 It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

14-16 Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”

They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

17-19 Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.”

The “outsider”, even a Samaritan, as Jesus relates, came back to praise Him for what He did for him. “He couldn’t thank him enough”. We are outsiders until Jesus comes and takes over our heart, mind and soul.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are God and we are not. We cannot thank you enough for all the ways you rescued us, brought us through challenging times and ultimately saved us by the blood of the Lamb, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, we cannot thank You, praise You or give You Glory enough. It will take an eternity to praise You for all You are and what You have done, are doing and will do! Ah, that is Your plan, isn’t it! Continue to be with us…
In Jesus Name, Amen