June 3, 2022 – Words of Wisdom

Extra-Ordinary

“The difference between ordinary and extra-ordinary is so often just simply that little word – extra.” (Anonymous)

“On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance,they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they?Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19

Extra-Ordinary

We all have people who touch us, teach us, who are present with us each day. When was the last time that we stopped, reversed our steps and saw what a blessing they are, and then thanked G-d for them, thanked them for what they do?  G-d’s presence should not only be seen in the miracles of life – but also needs to be seen in the everyday relationships including those we take for granted, and those that we don’t even think of.

Apparently nine lepers didn’t see enough to move them beyond the miracle – they couldn’t see the authority of G-d’s healing presence, the grace of G-d found in the person of Jesus Christ. But one leper shakes himself free from the joy of being “made clean” to realize that his view of reality had changed.  The one who was formerly a leper recognizes through his own healing that he was a walking witness to the reality of G-d’s grace. And through the healing he sees, recognizes and appreciates what G-d did – and does what we all should do – fall at the feet of Jesus and give thanks and praise. 

This story reminds us that whether we realize it in the midst of our trials, or recognize it many years after the fact, our lives are always in G-d’s hands.  We should never become so “dulled” in our senses that we forget to offer prayer, praise and thanksgiving as the proper response to G-d’s grace – grace that sometimes smacks us over the head, and often goes without notice. G-d’s love is not just ordinary love, it is extra-ordinary – and deserves extra-ordinary response.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, your love for the world is a love that is not envious, not jealous, and never-ending. Give me the mind today to offer you extra-ordinary prayers, praises and thanksgiving. Amen.

Pastor Dave