The tender story of Luke 17 tugs at our hearts. Ten men's lives ruined by leprosy were given new lives by the Lord! We are shocked and appalled by their callous ingratitude; "How could only one return to thank the Lord?" Jesus asks, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?"
Had they forgotten the pain, the loneliness and the separation from everyone they loved? Had they forgotten what it was like to cover themselves and cry out "unclean" to everyone they saw? We wonder... how could they have forgotten?
I have heard of children who were angry at their parents over various things in later life. Sometimes even unwilling to help them with the most basic of aid. Have they forgotten all the pairs of shoes they wore as children? Have they forgotten how many times they laid down at night with tummies full, and in dry beds? Have they forgotten warm coats that kept them from the chilly winds?
Husbands and wives sometimes grow apart over time or suddenly. I wonder how they could have forgotten the years of tender comfort and companionship that they share! Together they faced the struggles of life, raised children, built careers, shared joy and love. Then, as if those things never existed, they turn on each other, toward other things or people. They have a lifetime of photographs to remind them of things to be thankful for toward each other if they would only take the time to remember.
Sometimes employees get bitter over missed promotions or changing schedules or new supervisors. l'm not unaware of how challenging some changes can be to navigate. But I wonder if they remember everything they should. They were hired once and began to take home money that helped them raise a family. They could count on a steady paycheck for their labor and bought houses to live in, cars to drive and braces for the mouths of their children. They went on vacation. They bought Christmas and birthday gifts. They did all these things and many more because they had a job. But we often don't remember.
"When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, ..."lest-when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; ... and you forget the LORD your God..." (Dt. 12:10-14)
- Tim Orbison