Luke 17:11-19

Luke 19:11-19

1. Let us mark how earnestly men can cry for help when they feel their need of it.
2. Let us mark how help meets men in the path of obedience.
3. Let us mark what a rare thing is thankfulness.

"How is it, again, that many true believers often pray so coldly? What is the reason that their prayers are so feeble, and wandering, and lukewarm, as they frequently are? The answer once more is very plain. Their sense of need is not so deep as it ought to be."

"It does not become us to stand still, and reason, and doubt, when our Master's commands are plain and unmistakable."

"Thankfulness is a flower which will never bloom well excepting upon a root of deep humility!"

Questions:

1. We are instructed, first, on prayer and the real source of crying out to God. Beloved brother or sister, do we feel our need and helplessness before God? Do we act as if success is up to us or God?

2. We are told that the lepers healing came from their obedience to what Christ said. What is our posture before the Word of God? Are we willing to obey our Lord’s commands, or do we question or reason away the things that are difficult and hard?

3. We are told that a deeper sense of our sinfulness, guilt, and undeserving are the secret to a thankful spirit. Will we, even today, not ask the Lord to produce these things in us, that He may increase thanksgiving in our hearts for His glory and our joy? May the roots go deep so that the flower of thankfulness may bloom!