Wednesday's Praises

Luke 17:15-19, “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, ¹⁶ and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? ¹⁸ Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (NKJV)

I don't think that any of us would want to classify ourselves as people who are not thankful, The lack of thankfulness is not something that we would even promote and certainly not put into practice. Yet it is easy to fail to put this action into practice into our lives. The Apostle Paul did remind us that there would be "unthankful" people (possibly Christians) in what the Bible classifies as "perilous" (dangerous) days (2 Timothy 3). 

We can think about being thankful but do we speak out loud about being thankful? We are living in a world that is full of negativity, full of harsh words, and full of broken people who are looking for a way out of their circumstances. I understand that someone may disagree with me and say that my perspective is very shallow and weak. But I do believe that there is strength when we offer our vocal and verbal thanksgiving to God. The shouts of praises, and the offering of worship, honor and glory to God have always been a part of Christianity. It is sad to say, but sport fans celebrate a touchdown in a football game, a dunk in a basketball game, or a home run in a baseball game more than some Christians celebrate their relationship with Christ. Yes, there is a time to be quiet, still and calm in the presence of God but there are also times in which God is waiting to hear your voice. 

Will God hear your voice of thanksgiving today? Your voice and your words are important to Him. Today's scripture passage reveals that Christ asked these words; "...But where are the nine?..." Christ was looking for their voice and their words of praise. Let these words of Christ challenge your heart today. Christ is worthy of our praise, adoration and worship. And remember no one can take your place at the altar of praise.