Sundaymail Editor
“WHEN he (Jesus) saw them he said, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went along, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:14)
“Then one of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.” (Luke 17:15)
Luke 17:16 further says: “He fell with his face to the ground at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.”
In Luke 17:17, Jesus said: “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”
This passage shows the importance of returning to give thanks, especially as we prepare to transition into a new year.
In the story, 10 lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy, and He responds by instructing them to show themselves to the priests. As they go, they are miraculously healed. However, only one of them — a Samaritan — returns to express his gratitude.
He falls at Jesus’ feet, praising God for his healing. Jesus then asks: “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?”
This poignant moment highlights that, while many may receive blessings, only a few take the time to acknowledge and thank the source of those blessings.
I, too, do not want to be counted among the nine. I, therefore, take this moment to say: “Thank you Lord.”
I celebrate God, who healed me. God came through and healed me like the 10 lepers.
I was diagnosed with cancer, but God healed me in 2024. I am a living testimony. I personally call Him Jehovah Rapha, the Lord my healer.
Indeed, l have witnessed “mountains” being moved. I even see more being moved in 2025.
As we close the 2024 chapter, let us take a moment to count the blessings we have received throughout the year. Despite the challenges we may have faced, there have been countless moments of joy, growth and divine intervention. Like the leper who returned, we are called to recognise and celebrate God’s goodness in our lives.
Gratitude is not merely a feeling; we consciously make this choice. It flows from a genuinely thankful heart. As you prepare for 2025, commit to cultivating gratitude in your lives. This decision has the potential to alter our viewpoint, enabling us to appreciate the beauty found in both the peaks and valleys of our experiences.
On this last Sunday of the year, celebrate all that God has done in 2024. Share your testimonies of provision, protection, grace and healing, among others.
Encourage each other to embrace the upcoming year with optimism and expectation, confident that God’s unwavering faithfulness will persist in guiding us. He is forever faithful.
Remember the words of Jesus to the grateful leper: “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” May we, too, stand up in faith, ready to embrace the new year with hearts full of gratitude. Let us commit to act like the one leper who returned, gave thanks and glorified God for His endless blessings.
As we step into 2025, may our lives exhibit gratitude, reflecting the love and grace of our Saviour. Amen.
Wishing you all a blessed, peaceful and prosperous 2025.
Happy New Year!
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter