Faith Focus
Greetings friends,
I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below). If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. The Scripture used on Sunday was Luke 17:11-19, the healing of the ten lepers. Luke is one of the Synoptic Gospels, along with Matthew and Mark, which tell the stories of Jesus with a similar point of view. Luke was written by Dr. Luke, a Gentile physician (Col. 4:14) who had heard the stories of Jesus from eyewitnesses (1:1, 2), and traveled frequently with the Apostle Paul. As a doctor, Luke had particular interest in Jesus’ healing ministry, which plays a prominent role in his Gospel. Luke also wrote the book of Acts, and both are written to “most excellent Theophilus” (1:3; Acts 1:1), which means “lover of God.” Luke gives many details in his stories, and his overarching focus is Jesus’ compassion, especially for those considered “other,” “less than,” and “outcasts”- Gentiles, Samaritans, women, tax collectors, etc. highlighting the invitation for the world into Jesus’ saving grace.
Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even to answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this it to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Other Scriptures referenced:
John 9:1-12, Jesus healing the blind man
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.
Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.
11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”
12 “Where is this man?” they asked him.
“I don’t know,” he said.
*Many other Healing Stories can be found in all four Gospels.
DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:
Monday: v.11a “Now on his way to Jerusalem”- there was a narrative shift that happened in 9:51, marking the determination toward Jesus’ mission, where he will be crucified for the sins of the world. From that point on, Luke continually emphasizes that Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem, and is therefore in the final stages of his journey. As we read through, Luke again reminds us of this, and it overshadows the story. What understanding and emotions does this reminder of Jesus heading to the cross illicit, especially in the context of Jesus healing others? What is the greater story for all of us, including you? V.11b “Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee”- Jews tended to avoid Samaria because the people there, Samaritans, had taken the Jewish faith and over time had intermixed with other faiths and cultures. The original separation was due to politics, but over time evolved to something much deeper. Samaritans were hated by the Jews, so there was a boundary area that separated the two groups. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he would often cross social boundaries. Consider what “boundaries” people today, and even you, may have, that keep people separated. Even if you cannot identify with “hate,” consider if there are people groups that you avoid. If so, what is the root cause of that avoidance? How does the role of the church, and Jesus’ mission, address the separation of people groups, by society and by you personally? Take a moment and ask God if there are people- groups, classes, even individuals, that you tend to keep at a distance. If God brings anyone to mind, ask God to reveal the source of that avoidance. Ask for a softened heart, repentance if necessary, healing if necessary. If prompted by the Holy Spirit, ask for opportunity to bridge the gap and cross that boundary. Ask to become a healing agent in the world in the name of Jesus.
Tuesday: v. “As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance”- though leprosy in the Bible could refer to any disease that affected the skin, we can imagine the probability that this was the painful and disfiguring form. They stood at a distance, being required to stay at least 150 feet away from everyone at all times. Imagine the pain, not only from the disease, but also from being ostracized. Imagine what feelings might rise up. Have you ever experienced a time when you were excluded? Most of us have. Reflect a moment or circumstance when you felt you were excluded. What was going on? Why do you believe you were treated that way? How did it feel? As you encounter memories that could still be painful, ask God for understanding. If you recognize feelings of bitterness or resentment in any way, release that to God and ask for forgiveness. Work through forgiving others with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pain and loneliness is something that God does not want for us, or for anyone. Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see those around who may be feeling this way. Ask for a softened heart and a willing spirit to reach out and include others. “Ten men”- though the lepers had been ostracized by society, excluded even from their families, they had found a form of community with others struggling with the same issue and circumstance. The group included both Jews and Samaritans, which, as discussed yesterday, was not normative. How do you think this could relate to the church? Reflect on what brings the people of the church together. What is the commonality that binds everyone into a group? How does the church move past being a place where people experiencing the same need gather, to a place of healing in community together? Ask God to show you. If there is something to celebrate, then take a moment to praise God! If there is something that God reveals needs to be changed, within the church or within you, ask God to show the way. Offer yourself as a vessel willing to do God’s will.
Wednesday: v.13 “and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”- notice that the lepers didn’t only call him Jesus, but “Master.” The original Greek for this word is epistátēs, which refers to someone being master-in-charge, a legal standing of ownership, the one fully authorized (biblehub.com). What do you think the lepers meant by calling Jesus “Master”? Why would it be important to recognize Jesus in this way? What does that mean for us, and our understanding of who Jesus is to be in our life? Take a moment and ask God if there are any areas in your life where Jesus is not “Master.” If the Holy Spirit reveals anything to you, work through it with the Spirit, with humility and repentance. “Pity” here is often translated as “mercy,” or “compassion,” and together more clearly reflects what is being asked. When examining Jesus’ healing ministry, it is often noted that he had compassion for people before performing any acts of healing or miracles. This is something for us to strongly consider with our own prayers for healing- that we do so out of compassion. The compassionate heart prays differently, and more strongly, than if we are simply praying because we are going through our list. Praying with compassion is in alignment with God’s heart, and in my studies of healing ministry, compassion is the necessary precursor for us to minister in healing. The next time you pray for someone, check your heart and determine if compassion is the source. If it is not, take some time to meditate with God about it until compassion leads the way. “Mercy”- If the word is translated as “mercy,” it carries an even deeper level of what is being asked. Mercy is when we do not receive what we deserve, to be spared. At that time, people believed that the cause of leprosy was due to sin. With that in mind, what more are the lepers asking of Jesus? How does all of this relate to what Jesus can and will do for us, if we ask? “They called out in a loud voice”- loud, not only due to the distance, but because of desperation. Have you ever experienced such desperation? If so, what were the circumstances? What was your experience of God at that time? Did you call out to God in response? Why, or why not? If you did, what was your experience of God’s response? Did it have any impact on your faith? Consider the people you know who are experiencing desperation. With compassion, offer a prayer for them. Consider especially those who do not yet know Jesus, and pray for Jesus to have mercy. Praise Jesus, who is full of compassion and mercy!
Thursday: v.14 “When he saw them,”- it doesn’t say that Jesus heard them, as would be expected, but that Jesus saw them. First, these were people who were generally not seen, not noticed, not acknowledged in society. What does Jesus seeing them tell you about who Jesus is, and what Jesus seeks to do? Also note that in the original Greek “saw” is horaó, which not only means “to see,” but often carries a metaphorical meaning, as in “seeing with an inward spiritual perception” (biblehub.com). So Jesus saw not only their physical presence, but their spirit as well. Jesus sees us too, and knows our spirit. Before continuing, check your spirit. If you have anything troubling, blocking, constricting, or out of alignment with God’s spirit, pause and pray. Experience being seen by Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within you. V.14 “he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”” This would be a necessary step if one was healed from leprosy. They would present themselves to the priests, who would then do a thorough examination. If healed, they would be declared clean, then go through several days of rituals, washings, and ceremonies, before being reinstated back to their life. But Jesus did not yet heal them! So the lepers were faced with a decision when Jesus told them to go to the priests. Jesus was telling them to do something that didn’t make sense- go show themselves, in spite of not being healed. Jesus was asking them to step into obedience, to do what he was asking in spite of it not making sense. He was asking them to trust him, to have faith, and to step into what God was wanting and willing to do for them. Have you ever experienced a time when God asked you to do something that you didn’t think made sense? If so, describe your experience? How did you feel when God gave the message? Did you struggle with it? Did you decide to follow what God was asking you to do right away? Why, or why not? What were you feeling throughout the entire process? What was the outcome? Why do you believe Jesus asked the lepers, and asks us, to respond with obedience, trust, and faith, instead of just always making things happen instantaneously? Take a moment and ask God if there is anything God is wanting you to do. If something comes to mind, even if it doesn’t make sense, spend some time with God about it. Ask for discernment, wisdom, clarity, courage, boldness, and an increase of faith. Be encouraged that God is wanting and willing to do something wonderful in your life, if you will just take a step into God’s plan for you.
Friday: v.14 “And AS they WENT, they were cleansed.”- as they stepped into what Jesus asked them to do, in spite of it not making sense, in spite of having no visible sign that what Jesus said would happen actually would, in spite of risking ridicule if they arrived and were not healed, etc. – AS they stepped into God’s plan for them and God’s desire to bring healing into their life, they were healed. The same is true for us. Although God can, and sometimes does, heal and even do the miraculous without us being involved, typically God asks us to cooperate, to agree with and step into whatever God asks, and then God works through us. This is true in every area of our life. In soteriology, or the process of salvation, it’s called cooperating grace- when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, empowered by God yet also having free will. God wants to do incredible things in your life, to bring healing, blessings, and abundance. Take some time with God today and ask God about the different areas of your life. Where does God want to bring healing? Where does God want to bless? What does God want you to think, do, change, etc? Consider all your personal relationships (go through each one individually, paying attention to what God brings to mind). Consider the church, your ministry, your job, health, finances, and any circumstances that God brings up. Pray with humility, openness, and praise. Write down any specific things that you believe God is asking you to do. As you review your list, pray through it- over any obstacles in the situation or within you. Ask God for guidance and listen closely. Ask for the Holy Spirit to empower greater obedience, trust, and faith. Take a step, trusting in God. As you take any steps, stay attuned to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Watch for the blessings that God brings. We don’t know how far the lepers traveled before receiving their blessing, so don’t give up hope. Give thanks to God for being with you on the journey, for the hope that God gives, and for the compassion and love that God has for you.
Saturday: v.17-18 “Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”” – we are taking a look first at the nine lepers who experienced God’s healing, and yet did not come back to give thanks and praise. The one leper that turned back was a Samaritan, the one least likely to do so, while the others who claimed to be followers of God did not. They were all willing to go through the religious practices, but only one heart and soul was transformed. Though it seems shocking, they did what people often do, even strong believers. They asked God for something, and when they received it they kept going on with life. It denotes assumptions, taking God’s gifts for granted. It’s very easy to fall into this, especially with our world being so fast-paced, driven, and self-focused. We have to be mindful, intentional, and take the time to thank and give praise to God, which puts us in an appropriate relationship with our response to God. This is not just attending worship once a week, this is a lifestyle. As an exercise, consider what you can do to increase this in your life. Perhaps praising upon waking and going to bed and before every meal to start. Perhaps set up a random reminder to go off and challenge yourself at that time to begin to list what you are thankful for and praise God. You never know, this reminder may come just when you need it. Work into a constant mindfulness, noticing God’s goodness and thanking and praising God continually. Begin to write down any changes within yourself that begin to occur. v.15 “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice”- as was shared in the sermon, Martin Luther described true worship as “the tenth leper turning back.” It’s what we all are called to do as believers, as we recognize God’s mercy, compassion, grace, healing, blessings, salvation- we acknowledge God as the giver of those gifts! This is not just a nod in God’s direction. We not only acknowledge, but we stop, take the time, and praise the Lord! Take a moment for praise- go deep with it, beyond the usual family, friends, etc. Consider that absolutely everything good is a gift from God. What does that say about who God is? What does that say about the love God has for you? How does that make you feel? Pray aloud, loudly, praising God, thanking God (you can do this when you are alone- maybe you could even lift your hands, or even dance!). Be specific, acknowledging who God is, what God has done for you, and what you are trusting God for based upon his promises. Pay attention to your body and spirit as you praise. Notice any changes, and anything that God brings to mind. Soak in God’s presence! V.19 “Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”- “rise,” because the Samarian leper had thrown himself at Jesus’ feet (v.16), a posture of humility- for our spirit as well, as we consider the power and might of our God, and yet recognizing that God regards us and loves us. How does this contrast with taking what God does for us for granted? “Faith” was the active belief, shown through the action of returning to praise Jesus. Jesus said that his faith made him “well”- the original Greek for “well” is sózó, which means to rescue, or save. It is the root word for Savior and salvation. The Samaritan leper not only received healing physically, but spiritually. God desires all of us to be sózó, made well, healed, delivered, saved. Trust in God and praise the Lord!
Other items:
Responsive Reading
Leader: Lord, we enter Your house
People: With thanksgiving in our hearts!
L: We give thanks to You,
P: And bless Your holy name!
L: We sing praises to You
P: We worship You with joy!
L: You are the Lord, our God
P: You made us and we are Yours
L: By faith, we trust in You
P: For You are good!
All: Your unfailing love continues forever!
Unison Prayer
Giving and glorious God,
We thank You for Your abundant blessings
For Your provision, care, and love
May we always reflect our gratitude to You.
Be with us and encourage us to tell others
Of Your great mercy and love.
As we serve others in Your name,
Give us the confidence to sing your praises.
Let us serve and give with a grateful heart.
Song Lyrics:
Come Ye Thankful People Come #694 v.1,2,4
- Come, ye thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home;
all is safely gathered in,
ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
for our wants to be supplied;
come to God’s own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.2. All the world is God’s own field,
fruit as praise to God we yield;
wheat and tares together sown
are to joy or sorrow grown;
first the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
wholesome grain and pure may be.4. Even so, Lord, quickly come,
bring thy final harvest home;
gather thou thy people in,
free from sorrow, free from sin,
there, forever purified,
in thy presence to abide;
come, with all thine angels, come,
raise the glorious harvest home.
Forever by Chris Tomlin
Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand, And outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever, Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Thank You Lord by Don Moen, Paul Baloche
I come before You today
And there’s just one thing that I want to say
Thank You Lord, thank You Lord
For all You’ve given to me
For all the blessings that I cannot see
Thank You Lord thank You Lord
With a grateful heart with a song of praise
With an outstretched arm I will bless Your name
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord!
For all You’ve done in my life
You took my darkness and gave me Your light
Thank You Lord thank You Lord
You took my sin and my shame
You took my sickness and healed all my pain
Thank You Lord thank You Lord
With a grateful heart with a song of praise
With an outstretched arm I will bless Your name
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
I just want to thank You Lord
Thank You Lord!
Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):
Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.
For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).
Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)
Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)
I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!
At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.
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