‘Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”’ Luke 17.19
When the Samaritan returned to give thanks for his healing from leprosy, Jesus asked him: “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” They were also healed of leprosy, so didn’t their faith also make the other nine well?
It does seem as if the man who returned received more than his physical healing. Let’s not diminish what the other nine received – it really was a major occurrence to have leprosy healed – but the one who came back was given even more. He was able to experience what it was like to connect with Jesus and to be commended by him.
Many of us are seeking healing, either in body, mind or spirit, but what this passage emphasises is that healing in itself is not everything. If we make it so, like the nine lepers, then we are in danger of missing out on so much more – the joy of connecting with Jesus and receiving his commendation.
Take a moment to sit quietly in the presence of Jesus. Don’t bring your needs to him immediately, but simply remain in his presence and connect with him. Only then begin to express your heart to him and allow him to express his heart to you.
