1 OUT OF 10

When I was in the classroom as the educator/facilitator i never thought that the results of 1 out of 10 was the data I wanted when reviewing test grades or assessing understanding of an objective to have been taught.  That seemed like negative data which meant, I was going to be reteaching again and maybe again. (I well remember when I introduced "long division" which blew most of the students' brain circuits, and the time period allotted, had failed to take into account that these fourth graders did not know their multiplication math facts so to proceed into division was going to be a challenge, and it was.)  1/10 is not always the best data! Can we put a value on the results of 1 who does understand and perform well?   

As I was reading Luke 17, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.  He was traveling along the border of Samaria and Galilee.  As He entered a village, there were 10 men who met Him...10 men who had the hellish disease of leprosy.  Even though they stood at a distance from the Lord, they cried out, loudly and in desperation, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"  Upon seeing them, He directed them to go the priests and "as they were going, they were cleansed."  All 10 left Jesus' sight, but 1 returned to Jesus because as he was going, he realized he had been healed.  He fell at Jesus' feet and THANKED Him, and he was also praising God for his healing.  The one who returned was a Samaritan, and not only was he healed, but Jesus replied to his thanksgiving and praise, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." 

The thanksgiving and the praise of the Samaritan leper resulted not only in his healing, but in his salvation.  I wonder, do you think that he told somebody of this miraculous work in his life?  The purpose of God on the heart of 1 man, woman, or child can have invaluable data results for His kingdom.  The narrative is a reminder of the blessings of obedience, thanksgiving, and praise.   The story is told of Matthew Henry, an elderly Bible commentator.  He was robbed of his wallet and this is what he entered in his prayer journal for the day:  I am thankful: I have never been robbed before.  The man took my wallet and not life. What was in the wallet wasn't much.  I was the one robbed and I was not the robber.  Love this testimony of being thankful.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Be joyful always; Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."   Forever learning.  In process.  #IHAVETHREESONS.