Saving Grace

Luke 17:1-19

As a child, I was taught to practice giving thanks before partaking of any meal.  Nowadays, I call it “saying grace.”  I like that terminology because each time I pray in that way, I am often reminded of each meal’s provision and the greater grace bestowed on me through my communion with Christ.  “Saying grace” is a practice that I believe has had significant influence on my faith.  Think about it, how many times does something good happen in our lives and we forget to say, “thank you.”  Something so simply uttered can also be so easily forgotten.  Skipping this thank offering may seem small but without it the immensity of God’s goodness and faithfulness may fail to be realized.  This small practice of “saying grace” continues to cater my life with more faith to follow Jesus. 

In our text this week, we hear Jesus teaching about sin and how to regard it in people’s lives.  Jesus’ apostles heard this and asked for Him to increase their faith.  It was another way for them to say that they couldn’t do what He was asking on their own.  Jesus directs them to the faith they already have in following Him by using the examples of a grain of a mustard seed and unworthy servants.  As He teaches, Jesus asks a question that should harken minds back to His teaching in Luke 12:35-37 where He describes Himself as the gracious Master blessing his obedient servants. 

Next, Jesus is encountered by ten lepers who refer to  as Him as Master and are healed when they turn to follow His command.  One of those ten returned to Jesus, falling on his face at Jesus’ feet and giving thanks.  Jesus finally says to this one, “Rise and go on your way, your faith has made you well.”  Each of the ten lepers experienced healing and mercy as they had asked of Jesus.  But only one of them is noted with faith that has made him well because he has found faith in the gracious Master, Jesus Christ.

What has Jesus ever done for you that would make you want to trust Him again?  Is there any reason to fall on your face at the feet of Jesus and give thanks?  Why do you call out to Him in prayer – because of your own gumption or because of His gracious supply.  As we pray, may it not be with our stomachs or any other idol as our guide.  But rather, let us pray with reverent wonder to the Founder and Perfector of our faith.  Let us “say grace” to Him now and forever.  And may we be people that rise and go with faith that makes for our wellbeing and for the world we encounter.

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon