We have time to eat turkey
And time to have pie
Time to watch football
And for shopping on line
But for the blessings of God
Will they have time to say “Thanks”
Or just time for politics
And a film with Tom Hanks?
But when Christ is the center
Of all that we say
Then we truly can celebrate
Our Thanksgiving Day!
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 KJV
“What’s the magic word?” My Mom asked as I reached for the brownie in her hand. My six year old brain whirled for a moment then a little light went on in my brain. “Thank you Mom” As young children most of our parents make an attempt to teach us please and thank you. But why does it really matter? Jesus thinks it does and on the day he healed ten lepers He showed us why. 
That morning Jesus met ten men afflicted with the terrible disease of leprosy. They all kept their distance and shouted, “Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us!” Jesus agreed to heal them, but first He sent them to the priest for inspection as the law required. On their way towards the village the men saw that their leprous spots had disappeared. Nine rushed forward towards the priest but one man did what always put a smile on my mother’s face; He went back to say thank you – without being asked!
He decided that he could wait to see everyone else; but he couldn’t wait to see Jesus. Then for the first time that he was allowed to come close to anyone, He fell at Jesus’ feet to worship and give thanks. As you read this maybe you’re still up to your elbows in leftover turkey. But what better way is there to open the door to Christmas than a special day to say thank you?
He covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark. Job 36:32 ESV
Having worked another long day outside with temperatures flirting with one hundred degrees, we were enjoying the little bit of rain that the breeze wafted our way as we sat on the front porch. Then that wonderful stillness was interrupted by the horrible crash of a thunderbolt that landed just a few yards away on the other side of the dirt road. We sat in shock for a moment and then we started laughing in relief as the geese over in the cow pasture honked in loud and angry protest.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
The terrible thing about lightning is that it wakes us up to just how vulnerable we are. Car accidents, break-ins, doctor’s reports and family crisis hit at times when we least expect. But the hope that our scripture today gives is that God is ultimately in control. He holds the power of the lightning in His hands and He is the one who commands where it will strike.
God knows not only when and where the lightning will strike but even when each sparrow falls. He has marked His calendar for how long our life on earth is to be. So we must decide if we will honk in angry protest when thunder crashes all around or we can rejoice in God’s mercy and grace. He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die in our place so we can praise the one who will keep us safe in every storm!
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