An Ungrateful Leper

It was an ordinary Sunday in Galilee...or so I thought. I was on my way to the priests and expected all to be calm in the city, because of the Sabbath. I was in search of a lamb. I noticed people were gathering in the streets, and I heard a man shouting, "He who fed the 5 thousand men has arisen from the dead, as He said. Two women went to the tomb this morning, and an angel of the Lord told them He was alive." When I arrived to the temple, there was a board on the doors with the words: "Do not believe the tales: the man who says He is the king of the jews was crucified on Friday. His followers stole the body." Later, I witnessed a wealthy young man throwing coins, fine linen and valuable items from an upper room crying out, "I am ready to give all that I have to follow the one who called me to Himself."  

It was near dusk, and I had not found what I was looking for. I stopped by a well for a drink of water, before returning home. A woman who was rejoicing must have seen my confusion and asked me, Have you seen Jesus, the Christ? I responded, I saw him about 10 days ago. I had been an outcast for many years, due to leprosy. I was with 9 others, and we shouted, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us" (Luke 17:13). At first I did not understand why, but He told us to go and show ourselves to the priests. Without a thought, we turned to obey, and, as we did, our leprosy was gone! In my amazement, I ran back home to see if my wife and children were there, and they were. But our last lamb had gone missing. I came to see if He would be able to help. Since I have been gone, my family has next to nothing. 

She listened attentively. Paused. And then smiled. Sir, she said. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He does not merely provide a lamb to eat or heal us of sickness. He cleanses us of our internal leprosy that rots, oozes and kills more and more by the day until we perish for all eternity. Three days ago He went as a lamb to the slaughter to pay for our sin on the cross, as Isaiah said that He would. Today, He arose from the grave, also as He said. Do you believe? I responded, When I was healed of my leprosy, I could not believe it. I was alone for so long. No one would touch or even look at me. But He... I began to weep. He looked right at me. Only one from the group, a Samaritan, turned around to give thanks, and I scoffed at him. I thought, why did He take so long? Didn't He see me before? Did He even love me? And now I cannot find our last source of hope and sustenance. 

The woman responded, I can only imagine how you feel and the depth of your suffering. I am so sorry. But I do know He has always been looking right at you; He has always loved you; and He knows your suffering. More than this, He went to the cross to provide for your greatest need: to be with Him forever and give you everything you need for life and godliness. The blood of bulls and goats cannot atone. I would encourage you to go to your secret place, lament of your hurt, give Him thanks for all that you can and believe He is the risen lamb, slain for your sin. I said farewell and returned home. Upon entering the stable, I heard and then saw our lamb. She was pregnant. I fell on my knees and wept. The only words I could mutter were: God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Thank you. I believe.     

Recently, I read a book by Sam Crabtree, Practicing Thankfulness. It ends with "100 Ways to be Thankful," and one way was to write a fictional story through the eyes of one of the lepers (118). This is where my inspiration came to write the fictional story: "An Ungrateful Leper." Though truly, we are more like the 9 than we care or are able to admit. My prayer is that God would continue showing us the countless opportunities we have to express gratitude and do it! May we never grow tired or callous to rejoice in and give Him praise and thanks for sending the lamb who was slain for sinners like you and me - there is no greater gift!!! 

Praise Reports:

1. Husband planned and took us on our first (8th &) 1/2 wedding anniversary celebration, and we had a great time thanking the Lord and enjoying one another;
2. Husband and I continue ongoing discipleship and meeting up with couples from our caregroup; 
3. I was able to present on missions at our women's fall event on 11/4/23; my mom and sister were able to attend; and the Lord was very encouraging and taught me so much; 
4. Jacob continues with school, performances and was blessed with his own car; and
5. Zachary found a job.

Getting Set up for women's Fall Event

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Husband started his 3rd & last year of bible training on August 28th; he is working on his 60-page thesis;
2. I am going through the Gospel Primer with my mom;
3. A new place to live;
4. The 3 Valadez brothers as they care for my mother-in-law in early stages of dementia/Alzheimer's, selling her home and transitioning her to live with one of my brother-in-laws; 
5. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and changes with work (Avi);
6. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities; and
7. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.

Jacob's Jazz Concert 11/8