A business once man traveled to a distant city for an important meeting. While walking through the city he happened upon a man that he had known some years before. The man, who had fallen on hard times, was now a homeless beggar. The businessman, after talking with his friend for some time, and feeling sorry for him, pressed a $50.00 bill into his hands before walking away.
Several years had passed when the businessman, once again visiting the city, ran into his former friend. Again, after visiting with his friend, the businessman turned to leave. But before doing so, he pressed a $10.00 bill into his friend’s hand. The homeless man, looking at the $10.00, said, “Hey! What’s this? The last time you gave me $50.00. Now, this time, only $10.00.”
The businessman replied, “Well, friend, since the last time I saw you, I have gotten married, bought a house, and had a child. My expenses are far greater than what they were then!”
“Oh, I see,” said the homeless man, “you are trying to raise a family on my money.”
Is there anything that strikes a raw nerve with any one of us more than someone having an attitude of ingratitude? We go out of our way, sometimes at personal expense and great sacrifice, only to have someone be ungrateful for what we have done.
In Luke 17 we have the story of the ten lepers who met Jesus on His way to Jerusalem. At least one of the men was a Samaritan; the others were Jews. Though the two groups despised one another, they lived in coexistence because of their plight. Seeing Jesus, these men called out, “Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus, filled with compassion, said: “Go your way, and show yourselves to the priest.” And as they went, they were made clean.
Verse 16 tells us that as they were going, one man turned back and gave thanks and praise to the Lord for what He had done in healing him from this dreadful disease. Jesus then asked, “Were there not ten who were cleansed, where are the nine? Were there not any who returned to give glory to God except this Samaritan?”
All had received the same blessing. They had all received a new life. Yet nine went forth from the presence of Jesus without gratitude for what He had done for them.
May this be a lesson for each of us as we approach Thanksgiving Day. We live in a prosperous nation. Even the poorest among us are blessed in ways that people the world over do not experience. We have family and friends who love and support us. Though we may not always have what we want, God has provided what we need.
May Thanksgiving not be reduced to one day each year but may we all be ever so grateful every day as God blesses us in ways we so often take for granted.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church 605 E. Oak St., Kingman.
