Day 26 - 40 Days in the Word: The One Who Returned

Gratitude transforms the heart. While all ten lepers experienced the miracle of healing, only one paused, turned back, and recognized the Giver behind the gift. His response wasn’t just polite—it was worship.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind...– Psalm 107:8; Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”  When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.  One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.   Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” – Luke 17:11-17

Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one returned to give thanks. It’s easy to receive God’s blessings and quickly move on, forgetting to acknowledge His hand in our lives. But gratitude draws us closer to Him. Think about all He has done: He has forgiven our sins, given us eternal life, and continues to guide, provide, comfort, and restore us daily. These are not small gifts—they are evidence of His unfailing love. There is also a beautiful truth here: thanksgiving changes us. When we intentionally thank God, our perspective shifts. Joy rises. Faith deepens. Our hearts become more aware of His presence. The one who returned didn’t just receive healing—he experienced a deeper connection with Jesus. May we be people who continually return, again and again, giving thanks not just for what God does, but for who He is.

What is one specific blessing in your life today that you need to pause and thank God for—and how can you make gratitude a daily habit?

Prayer:  Oh precious Father, thank You so much, first, for who You are! Thank You for the amazing gifts you bestow on us, Your children!   Forgive us when we fail to thank You for all that You’ve done for us.  We want You to know how thankful we really are.  We want to be like the one leper who threw himself down at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him with a loud voice.  Let our voices continue to boldly thank our Triune God!  In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.