In Luke, Chapter 17, there is the classic story of the lepers.  The admonitions come into it to the disciples about not being stumbling blocks, the need to forgive, and all the principles that we’re aware of.  Remember that we’re talking about this.  This is where we live, but these are the things that steal the joy from our lives.  These are the things that bring about self-pity. What’s that donkey?  It’s Eeyore.  There was a song years ago on Hee Haw, “Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me.”  We have people in here walking around in gloom.  You are blessed!  You have a whole room full of people that love you and are there for you.  More than three people are going to show up at your funeral.  It’s tragic how many people die alone and have nobody, and we gripe because our buddies aren’t perfectly meeting all our requirements.  You are not all that easy to love, so you must thank God for it.  Hallelujah!  We have a lot to be thankful for.

It all starts with the fact that He sought us and bought us with His redeeming blood; amen?  Why don’t we walk around all day singing, “Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever…”?  Amen?  “He sought me, and He bought me with His redeeming blood.  He loved me before I knew Him, and all my love is due Him.  He plunged me to victory in that great fountain of blood.”  Hallelujah!  Jesus goes on to ask, “Were there not ten cleansed?”  When we get down to the aspect of the lepers, who was it that turned or returned?  It was a Samaritan.  It’s amazing how we religious people are sometimes the least thankful.  We think we are owed something.  He fell down at His feet and worshipped Him.  “Weren’t there ten?  How is it that only one would return and be thankful for what I’ve done in his life?”  Our salvation—what else do you need?  If you never had one more positive thing happen in your life, what more do you need?

In the previous part of this chapter, He said that if you do not forgive, you are not going to be forgiven.  You are going to go to hell.  He then comes down and takes up the topic of thankfulness.  Aren’t you thankful that Jesus died for your sins?  This life is just a breath.  It is here today.  It’s gone tomorrow.  Let’s redeem the time and use it worshiping God instead of bemoaning our circumstances.  Not everyone thinks we’re as great as we think we are.  We must humble ourselves and get off our thrones.  We can then approach His throne, cast the crowns at His feet, and cry, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8).