The cleansing of the ten lepers presents us with an insight into the behaviour God expects from us. While all ten demonstrate faith, and are healed because of their faith, only one is thankful. The Samaritan praised God with a loud voice, returned to Jesus, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks. He is commended for his actions, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well”.
God has extended to us an offer of salvation, which requires us to live a particular lifestyle. But there is more to our relationship than a response to God’s actions. Unlike the unworthy servant who merely did his duty, true servants of God develop a deeper relationship resulting in genuine love and thankfulness expressed.
Rather than being preoccupied with eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting and building, we are advised instead to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”.