DAY #123: Luke 17:11-37

If you're reading through the New Testament this year, congratulations. You are 1/3 of the way through. Keep on keeping on. Stay the course. Continue to build this spiritual discipline and God will forever change your life.

Jesus was traveling along the border between Galilee and Samaria. Galilee was Jewish; Samaria was occupied by Samaritans who were despised by the Jews. The exact location is unknown, but that Jesus was near the border accounts for a Samaritan in the group of lepers. People who had leprosy were required to try to stay away from other people and to announce their presence if they had to come near. Thus these ten lepers were standing at a distance, outside the city, and they were crying out to Jesus for mercy. They called Jesus Master—they knew who he was and what he could do for them. They did not try to get close, however, perhaps because of the crowd that was probably still following Jesus.

Jesus sent the ten lepers to the priests (as prescribed by the law in Leviticus 14) before they were healed, and as they went, their leprosy disappeared. Jesus did not touch these men or even speak words of healing as he had done for most of his healings. This time he simply gave them the command to go show themselves to the priests. Jesus was asking the men to respond in faith so that, by their obedience, what they desired would happen. All the men responded in faith, and Jesus healed them on the way.

Jesus healed all ten lepers, but only one of them returned to thank him. It is possible to receive God’s great gifts with an ungrateful spirit—nine of the ten men did so. Only the thankful man, however, learned that his faith had played a role in his healing; and only grateful Christians grow in understanding God’s grace. God does not demand that his people thank him, but he is pleased when they do so. Up to this point in the chapter, Jesus was explaining how his followers should live. In the next few passages, Luke shares how Jesus discussed when the Kingdom of God would come.

Before this great return occurs, however, Jesus would return to heaven from earth. In order for that to occur, he would suffer terribly and be rejected, and then be crucified. This would happen soon, for it would be this generation who would do it, specifically this generation of religious leaders who would arrange for Jesus to be put to death.

To illustrate the suddenness of his return, Jesus used two examples, the first being the flood. In the days before the flood, life went on as usual for most people, with the exception of Noah who had been building a huge boat for many years. Then, it began to rain, the flood came, and everyone drowned. Jesus was warning against false security. Although life will continue as usual until the day of Christ’s return, believers must always be ready to go at a moment’s notice. When Christ returns, there will be no second chances. Some will be taken to be with him; the rest will be left behind.

The second example of the suddenness of Christ’s return is the destruction of the city of Sodom. Sodom, along with the nearby city of Gomorrah, was destroyed by God because of their great wickedness. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, had chosen to settle in the city of Sodom (Genesis 13:11-13). The people of Sodom, wicked as they were, went about their daily business. Then, the morning Lot left Sodom, the city was destroyed. The destruction came so suddenly that only Lot and his family escaped. Angels came and spared Lot and his family from the fire and burning sulfur.

In the time between Christ’s first and second comings, some may be lulled into complacency by the fact that life continues with its normal activities. Many today see life moving ahead with no interruptions. But Jesus made it clear that judgment would come, unexpectedly, without warning, in the middle of what would begin as a routine day.

When the Son of Man returns, there will be no time to return home for anything. Those outside should not go back inside to try to pack; those working out in the field must not return to town. Jesus exhorted his listeners to remember what happened to Lot’s wife! When angels led Lot and his family out of the city, the angels warned them not to look back. Surely the sound of destruction reached their ears, but they were not to turn around. Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Clinging to the past, she was unwilling to completely leave the evil of the city and the comfort of her possessions.

The time for deciding about Christ will pass in a single moment. Those who were waiting and longing to see that day will rejoice at its arrival. Those who did not believe it would happen will not have time to do anything about it. It will be too late.

Christ’s return will cause great upheaval and danger. The person looking for the Kingdom will be able to run with joy to welcome it, willingly forfeiting home and possessions in order to have eternal life. However, whoever clings to this life will lose it, for nothing in this life will remain. Those listening to Jesus’ words of warning wanted to know where all of this would take place. To answer the disciples’ question, Jesus quoted a familiar proverb. One vulture circling overhead does not mean much, but a gathering of vultures means that a dead body is nearby. Likewise, one sign of the end may not be significant, but when many signs occur, the Second Coming (the end) is near.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today)

Be ready. Stay alert. Keep focused. Don't be lulled to sleep. Fight apathy and complacency.

(If you're reading this blog, I am curious to know if you think a message series on Sunday morning regarding the end times would be beneficial for our church and community. Weigh in with your thoughts if you would.)

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Lord, birth within me everyday a fire and desire to do Your will. When I'm tempted to coast and relax and take some time off from serving and loving and building and teaching, remind me of how short time is, and to capture every day, every moment for You.

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Lord, draw people to COV this morning. Put it on their hearts to come and worship you and to hear from you. Lord, help me get out of the way. May my words be Your words. May You Holy Spirit move in the hearts of every person here today.