Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
In this passage Jesus enters a village and has an encounter with ten people with leprosy who are crying out for mercy and healing. He tells them to go to the priests and ‘show themselves’. One of the roles of the priest was to declare whether someone had been healed, and if they had, enable them to re-enter society again. It was a life changing moment.
All ten were healed, yet only one came back to find Christ to say thank you. I connect with the reply Jesus gives to the man: ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?’ I don’t know if you have ever done something for someone and not even received a word of thanks. Have we been on the end of generosity and not showed appreciation? I found Jesus' response quite provocative. It made me think about my attitude toward him, especially in times of challenge.
I am convinced that being thankful is a life-changing posture. It isn’t just about appreciation and recognition. Thankfulness is the key essence of a generous spirit. When we're thankful we're always reminded of what we have, not defined by what we don’t have. Thankfulness takes on entitlement and empowers contentment. That’s why it’s so challenging!
Dear God, please bring to my mind someone I am thankful for today and have forgotten about. Give me an opportunity to show my appreciation. Increase my attitude of gratitude. Amen.
Nigel Langford is Bible Society's Head of Church Relations
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