Statistics

When I read these bible verses (Luke 17:11-19), to me it was just a bible story. Well my pastor began stating some statistics and that is when I hear a voice within me telling me what I am writing now.

First, let us break it down. There were 10 men. They were outside the city because they were considered as outcast (mind you, any disease that affects the skin is considered leprosy in this time era). These men screamed or called out in a loud voice. That remind me of many times Jesus has been passing through or by a city and many that were oppressed or sick tend to ALWAYS cry out. These men after they cried out, what they said was “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” These also remind me of many times the oppressed and the sick cried out because they understand that Jesus carry power. They cried out to have pity. Not make me well,but have pity. They understood that Christ response carry volume. Christ spoke the word Go, show. While on the way, (which they acted out on faith) they were healed. Now, here is where the statistic kicks in. Only one person returned to thank Christ.

Interpretations: When the Samuel told Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice, we see a perfect example. These lepers turned their back on Christ not because they did not believe Him but out of obedience. Their obedience brought their healing to them but the one that returned was made well….what is the difference? being healed only stop at the physical aspect but being made well mean being made whole physically and spiritually and that disease or issue will not return.

Second interpretations: Christ said Go and Show….this take me to the Great Commission. When Christ say Go, He is telling us that my words carry volume and your faith in Him brings down the blessing. Just like Matt 6:33 to seek His kingdom and righteousness and all things will be added. In other words, when Christ says Go. Go means, obey and this obedience mean that God is next to you and He will show who He is. Most times we worry about would they accept me, would they listen and what if something happen. God is saying to go and when you go you will know that God is good and He will never leave nor abandon you. This is also why Christianity carry no power because the ones that are to be followers of Christ are not exercising the power behind the two letter word GO that came out of the mouth of the Creator of ALL, the One who is an IMAGE of the INVISIBLE God (I hope we understand that last one: if something is invisible, there is no physical representation of that but Christ is that).

Third interpretations: 10% returned. You can look at this as God asking for 10%. True. God gave healing to 100% and only 10% returned. In other words, when God delivers, we need to do our own part. The only thing that God ask for in return fully is YOU. Anything He gives, He only want the glory from you and men.

God has all things without limit. When He ask for anything in return, He is teaching us to get used to offering out. For example, to teach a child to share, you give them something and ask it back in return. That is all God is doing. He is our father and in Hebrew 12:6 He disciplines whom He love and whom He accept as son. That tells you anything that God does is for you and not for Him and anything we are expected to give in return is also for ourselves AND NOT FOR HIM. Many at times we think God needs us, He doesn’t. He can raise a stone to praise Him (a stone does not even have mouth to exhort Him). As believers, let’s be part of the 10% that always return to God what is due to Him. Because He is a patient God does not mean He doesn’t have the time in His hands.

About the Author

Amgrateful To introduce myself, I always get to say my name more than once. Why? Because many people do not believe me when I do say my name. But thank goodness that I am only just writing it, so if you don’t believe my name, pause and go back and read it again. My name is Amgrateful. I am a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University (AXE ‘EM JACKS!!!). I am currently pursuing my Masters Degree in Public Administration. Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/nousrenew Blog: http://nousrenew.blogspot.com/