the Third Week after Easter
Click here to join the effort!
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 4 of 5
Luke 17:1-19
It is not surprising that a world governed by evil should be full of scandals and pitfalls. But it is an unspeakably sad thing for a Christian to be a stumbling block to those weaker than he – and a very solemn thing for him.
The One who forgives (Luke 7:48) here teaches others how to forgive (vv. 3, 4). Nevertheless the apostles realise that to act according to these principles of grace they need more faith, and they ask the Lord for it. He replies that a further virtue is necessary, obedience, because it is in knowing and doing the will of God that we are able to rely on Him. Indeed faith cannot be separated from obedience, nor obedience from humility. Unworthy servants is how we must think of ourselves, for God can work without us, and if He uses us, it is pure grace on His part to do so. Yet this is not how the Lord thinks of those who are His friends (cf. vv. 7, 8; Luke 12:37; John 15:15).
Ten lepers met the Lord Jesus, lifted up their voices to Him and went away cured. Only one, a Samaritan, sees fit to thank his Saviour. Thus in Christendom generally, amongst those who are saved, only a small number "return" to worship the Lord. Are you one of that number?
