Return & Publicly Testify - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) October 31, 2023

Leprosy is a bacterial infection that affects every part of the body. It attacks the nerves so sufferers lose feeling. Over time, it eats at the skin and bones, leaving a diminished quality of life. Nowadays, there is medication to cure the disease, but in the time of Jesus, leprosy was a death sentence. Additionally, lepers could not visit the synagogue, go to the market, or even be around others.

It is no surprise, then, that in the story of the 10 Lepers, these men stood at a distance and called out to Jesus for healing. They didn't dare come closer for fear of violating the Laws of Moses, which specified that they were unclean and could not come close to others (Leviticus 13:45-46). Nevertheless, Jesus didn't hesitate to help these men, telling them to go show themselves to the priest as was customary when a leper was healed. That way, the priest would perform the required cleansing rites. Jesus also intended this act to be a "public testimony" to the priest and likely others. He had said so when He healed another leper in Matthew 8:4 NLT.

Back to the ten former lepers. They all set off to find the priest as Jesus had instructed, except for one who did something different. Luke 17:15 - One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan (AMP). That man lauded the Lord for his healing and did so loud enough for others to hear.

He understood something that his peers didn't - it is crucial to worship God for what He's done. Notice that he is recorded as praising God loudly meaning that others could hear his thanksgiving. That means He publicly worshiped the Lord. And given the times, people likely came out of their homes or stopped as he went by to understand why he was shouting. In this way, the man was testifying to what God had done for him. Letting others know how God had freed him from a crippling life of bondage that would have led to a painful death. This man was not a Jew and would have been considered a Gentile, yet he understood the assignment. Although it was important to have the priest acknowledge he'd been healed, he couldn't do that before adequately acknowledging his God for all to see and hear.

Do you understand the assignment? Do you realize that God must get the glory first and that you need to honor Him publicly? When last did you stand as a witness of His power and presence in your life by giving testimony on what He'd done for you?

So many of us have experienced God's blessings but have failed to publicly glorify Him. We forget why King David danced like a madman in public when the Ark entered Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15). Part of his joy likely stemmed from the fact that he and the priests brought the presence of God into the City of Zion without anyone dying as had happened on their previous attempt (1 Chronicles 13). Follow His example and make a joyful noise for the Lord. Dance and wave your hands in glee for what He's done for you. If you are reading this message, you are blessed because there are those who no longer can. If you can see, you are blessed and should praise God because sadly, many are blind. If you can turn on your faucet and watch the water flow out, give God the glory because there are countless people who do not enjoy such luxury, even in what we consider developed countries.

What are you going to praise God for today? How loud can you get? What testimony have you been sitting on that needs to be shared? Keep in mind what happened to the one leper who came back with praises. Luke 17:19 - Jesus said to him, “Get up and go [on your way]. Your faith [your personal trust in Me and your confidence in God’s power] has restored you to health.” (AMP). The former leper who rejoiced loudly and testified received complete and permanent healing. He went from being a leper to becoming one of the healthiest people on earth. His miracle was multiplied in his favor.

Acknowledge the Lord for His goodness loudly. Let others know how great He has been to you or to those you care about. Then watch that thing He did for you expand to His glory and your blessing.

PS: Write down a praise report and be prepared to share it in the last 10 minutes of fellowship. In the meantime, visit the Testimony Thread - Let's share our testimonies to His glory... See what God has done for others and thank Him loudly!