Daily Devotion, October 13, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 17:11-19.

Jesus often traveled along the border of Samaria. He often crossed this border and others—and was criticized for “crossing the line.” The Samaritans were considered half-breed relatives of the people of Judah and Galilee. To the Jews, the border with Samaria defined who deserved God’s mercy and who they should not love. There were also dividing lines set up to avoid the spread of disease. The lepers in today’s story, for example, knew how to maintain their distance. People feared leprosy then just as they do today. Lepers were forced to live outside the community so that others wouldn’t get the disease. I have been to leprosy camps in India and in Liberia. They are totally isolated, not loved much, and live a life of narrow survival.

The lepers begged Jesus to heal them. He told them to go see the priest who would declare them cleansed. At least one of the lepers was a Samari­tan. He trusted that God could be merciful even to a non-Jew. This man was overwhelmed with gratitude. He ran back and threw himself at Jesus’ feet in praise and worship. He thanked Jesus for the healing he did not deserve, for hearing the request of an outsider. Jesus always had open borders for people in need of help and healing, in body and soul. Are we willing to do the same? Will we love and help those in need, even if they are different from us?

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for loving us and crossing the border of sin for our sake so that we can be freed to have new life. In gratitude for your love, may I do the same for others. Amen.