Faith First

This weekend's reading covers a lot of ground: John 2:1-3:21, but we'll try to keep our thoughts as concise as possible. John chapter 2 ends with belief based on miracles. Chapter 3 begins with a miracle based on belief. Chapter 2 ends by saying, "...many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men." 2:23-24. The word translated "commit" is the same word translated "believe". In other words, many believed in Jesus when they saw the miracles, but He did not believe in them because He knew their hearts. Later, this fickle crowd that always followed Jesus for another meal and miracle, would walk away (see-John 6:60-66). Miracles, in and of themselves, do not save. How many times have we prayed, "Oh God, if you'll just miraculously heal my love one, he'll then believe?" God steps in and miraculously heals, but then our loved one goes on in his wicked ways. Miracles don't change hearts. In fact, many times they only harden hearts. Just ask the Pharaoh of Exodus.
But in John 3, we see Nicodemus believe (we know he became a believer because of what we learn in John 19:38-42). Nicodemus sought Jesus for who He was rather than merely for what He could do. Here the miracle of being born again was based on belief, simple child-like faith. Which chapter best describes your heart? Do you believe only after He does mighty things? Or do you simply place your trust in Him, trusting His Word? If you will simply trust Him, you'll know the miracle of being born again into the family of God.

The Lamb

In today's reading, John 1:19-51, we hear the thunderous cry "Behold the Lamb". "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world", John the Baptist cried. In the O. T. the question was, "where is the lamb", when Abraham and Isaac climbed Mount Moriah. The progression of the Lamb, throughout Scriptures, looks like this:

• "Where is the Lamb?"--the cry of the Old Testament.
• "Behold the Lamb!" --the hope of the New Testament.
• "Worthy is the Lamb!"-the summation of eternity.
  

In Genesis, Abel brought a lamb for sacrifice. There the lamb was offered for the individual.
In Exodus, each household sacrificed a lamb. There the lamb was offered for the family.
In Leviticus, the lamb was offered for the nation. And all of these pointed to Jesus, which in John...
In John, the Lamb was offered for the whole world. Praise God for the sinless, spotless Lamb who took our place!

"What can wash away my sin?/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus./ What can make me
whole again?/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus./ Oh precious is the flow/ that makes
me white as snow./ No other fount I know/ Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The Word

Today we read a passage that is the Mount Everest on the Deity of Christ-John 1:1-18. This passage is so grand that we'll spend a little longer on it and dedicate more space here to it. First, since we're beginning a new Gospel, let's review the different perspectives of each Gospel. The four Gospels themselves record "The Manifestations of Christ". In Matthew, Christ is manifested in His sovereignty as King to the Jews (Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience). In Mark, Christ is manifested in His ministry as the suffering Servant to the Romans (Mark wrote to a Roman audience). In Luke, Christ is manifested in His perfect Humanity as the Son of Man to the Greeks (Luke wrote to a Gentile audience). In John, Christ is manifested in His Deity as the Son of God to the whole world (John wrote to the entire audience).
1:1: The Deity of Jesus Christ. Read this verse and then read John 10:30 and Heb.1:5-13 and go back and read Gen.1:1. Now read John 1:14.
1:14: 100% Deity and 100% Humanity. The Word became flesh, i.e, Jesus Christ became human. He dwelt among us. The word 'dwelt' literally means 'tabernacled'. The Word, the Logos, the Creator, the Sustainer, God Himself, became flesh and tabernacled among us. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was covered with badger skins and was so plain on the outside. But the inside was adorned with gold, silver, fine embroidery, and precious stones for the chabod, the glory of God that filled the Holy of Holies. The same is true of Jesus. Externally he was ordinary in His appearance. So ordinary that Judas had to identify Him to the Roman soldiers with a kiss. But the presence , the substance, the glory of God dwelt within Him to such a degree that some of it "leaked out" on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt.17:2). [Jon Courson, p.438]. Just as the 'chabod' glory was seen in the tabernacle of the O.T., it was also seen in Jesus, the Son of God. John said, "we beheld His glory..."
1:3-5: Again, The Deity and Preincarnate Work of the Son of God. Read Col.1:16-17 and Heb.1:2. One of the favorite questions Muslims ask Christians is 'how old is Christianity?' The average, caught off guard Christian will respond 'ugh, about 2000 years old.' Then he'll reply, "our religion goes all the way back to Abraham." But what the average Christian forgets is John chapter one. Jesus was already there at the beginning. He created it all. In fact John even quotes Jesus saying, "Before Abraham was, I AM". (8:58). Christianity predates all religions because Christ is eternal. Don't ever forget that. Don't ever be tripped up by those trick questions.
Time and space just will not allow us to fully develop this passage, but go back and read and reread this passage and let it soak in. God Himself, became a man in order to save us. The Son of God became the Son of Man in order that the sons of men could become the sons of God! Hallelujah what a Savior!

Is There Any Hope?

In today's reading of Luke 24:13-53, we see two disciples that had lost all hope. They were hoping that Jesus would be the one to redeem Israel-see v.21. In other words, they were looking for a political Messiah. But what they didn't understand was that Jesus' death offered the greatest hope available. And Jesus would come along side of them to give them hope. Are you walking down a road of despair today? Have all your hopes and dreams been dashed by trials and tragedy? What are you to do? Do this. Focus on Jesus and understand these four things:
1. He Is The Christ That Walks With You v.15
These two disciples are so focused on their problems and disappointments, that they don't even recognize Jesus. And to make matters worse, they were walking in the wrong direction. They were walking away from the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. Oh my friend if you're walking down a road of no hope, don't walk away from church. Don't walk away from the fellowship of believers. Lift up your eyes and see that Jesus is there with you all the way.
2. He Is The Christ That Talks To You v.17ff
The reason He wants to join you on your journey is so that He can communicate with you, talk with you. Notice where Jesus speaks the loudest--v.25-27. Where? The Scriptures. In fact, that is what caused their hearts to burn. Jesus wants to talk to you each and every day through His Word. God walks down these troubled roads of life with us because He wants to talk to us. But we've got to open up His Word and listen.
3. He Is The Christ That Cares For You v.17-25
Notice the question He asked: Why are you so sad? Jesus knew why, but He wanted them to tell Him. You see, Jesus walks with us in order to talk with us, in order to show us that He cares for us. Jesus knew what they were sad about, but He wanted them to tell Him, just as Jesus desires that we bring all our burdens to Him and cast all our cares upon Him. My friends, whatever it is, take it to the Lord in prayer.
4. He Is The Christ That Ignites You v.32
Jesus wants you to see that He is walking with you, no matter what road you're on, in order that He can talk with you, in order that He can show that He cares for you, in order that He'll set your heart on fire and you'll turn and run towards Him! You see, Jesus will change the direction of your life today, if you'll let Him. He wants to set your heart on fire for Him. Will you let Him?

He Is Risen

Today's NT reading comes from Luke 24:1-12. It doesn't take one long to realize how the resurrection of Christ radically changed the disciples. Peter's fear was changed into courage and James' doubt into faith. It was the resurrection which changed Saul the Pharisee into Paul the Apostle and turned his persecuting into preaching. It was the resurrection which changed the Sabbath into Sunday and the Jewish remnant into the Christian Church. All of this transformation because of one of my favorite passages: Luke 24:5-6 "...why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!" Oh how that changed everything. And oh how it has changed me. But unfortunately, there are many people who still seek for Him among the dead. Dead religion will not save you. Jesus is not there. He is alive! The leaders of all other religions are still in the grave. Jesus is not. He is at the right hand of the Father seated in Heaven (Eph.1:20). He is the One in Whom I have placed my trust--Jesus the One and only One who has conquered death. As John Stott said, "It is fitting that a supernatural person should enter and leave the earth in a supernatural way. This is in fact what the New Testament teaches and the Church believes. His birth was natural, but His conception was supernatural. His death was natural, but His resurrection was supernatural." [Stott, "Basic Christianity", p.45]
God has provided a way to Himself (John 14:6). Have you gone that way? Have you placed your faith in the One and only Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God? Then, why not? He is offering you the free gift of salvation. Why not receive Him today? You'll be eternally glad you did.
Hallelujah what a Savior!

Jesus Saves

In today's reading (Luke 23:33-56), we see the crucifixion of our Lord. The soldiers mocked Jesus. They taunted Him and poked fun at Him, making a game out of it. Then they sarcastically said, "He saved others, let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God." (v.35). But what they didn't understand was, if Jesus saved Himself, He couldn't save us. Then read v.39-42 again. Here, one thief basically cursed him, "Some Messiah you are....save me!" But the other thief said, "remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus' reply was "Today you shall be with Me in paradise." One thief said, "Get me down!" The other one said, "Lord take me up." And He did. What is your prayer? Is it, "Take me down!" "Get me out of this mess!"--or--Is it, "Lord take me up....Up not only in heaven, but also up in a higher understanding of You and Your love.

"We have heard the joyful sound; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! tis our Lord's command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Word Play

In this weekend's reading of Luke 23:1-32, we see an interesting play on words. Jesus took the place of Barabbas. Note the break down of that word--his name. "Bar" means "son of", like "Simon Bar-Jonah", which simply means "Simon the son of Jonah." "Abba" means "father." Now put it back together and what do you have? "Bar--abbas--"Son of Father". Sounds a little generic doesn't it? Now watch this. Jesus, the Son of His Heavenly Father, took the place for all the sons of human fathers--you and me. And thank God He did. Thank you Jesus for dying in my place. This is the Gospel: The Son of God becoming the Son of Man so that the sons of men can become sons of God! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Following Afar

Today's NT reading comes from Luke 22:54-71. Our key verse is v.54 'and Peter followed afar off.' (KJV). What happens when you follow Jesus at a distance?

1. YOU BECOME A LONE RANGER: No accountability. And then you end up falling into greater sin, as Peter did in our text today. Mark's Gospel tells us that, not only did Peter deny Christ, he also began 'cursing and swearing' (Mark 14:71).
2. YOU GET INTO THE WRONG CROWD: When you follow Jesus afar, you end up in the wrong crowd, just like Peter did. He stood by the fire with the enemy. Then sat down and joined them (v.56), and eventually ended up denying the very One that he said he would die for (v.33).
3. YOU LOSE YOUR TESTIMONY: What a tragedy here. Peter is found 'cursing and swearing'. He lost his testimony for the Lord. After cursing and swearing, his testimony had been damaged.
4. YOU GET CONVICTED OVER YOUR SIN: (v.61-62). Here's the good news. God is a loving God and used a rooster to call Peter back to repentance. That rooster crowing represents a new day dawning. Later, the angel would tell the women at the empty tomb, "Go tell My disciples--and Peter--that He is going before you in Galilee; there He'll meet you." (Mark 16:7). And later, Jesus cooked Peter breakfast on the sea shore (John 21). When we repent, Jesus forgives and restores! Aren't you glad He does? When we 'follow afar', nothing short of repentance will get us back. And when we turn around and come back, we find sweet forgiveness. Are you following Jesus afar? Be assured that Jesus is waiting to welcome you back.

Lessons From The Garden: Luke 22:24-53

Today's NT reading continues in Luke 22. Many lessons can be gleaned from this Garden.

• There was a dispute over who should be considered the greatest. v.24-30. How tragic! Here, Jesus is facing death, and the disciples are on a power trip. In essence Jesus told them that He was the greatest, yet He came to serve. (see Mark 10:44-45). Bottom line: If we take care of our humility, God will take care of our exaltation. Lesson: Service given, not gained, is true greatness, for it is the sign of real fellowship with the Lord Himself.
  
• Jesus prayed that Peter's faith would not fail. v.31-34. Would Peter fail? Yes. Did his faith fail? No. Lesson: Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us, praying that our faith not fail.
  
• Gethsemane was an appropriate place for Jesus to pray so passionately. v.41-43ff. Why? Because Gethsemane means "olive press", the place where olives were crushed to release their oil. Lesson: Every life has a Garden of Gethsemane. But every Gethsemane has an angel (v.43). The Lord will always send an angel into your Gethsemane--an unexpected person, an unexpected phone call, a letter of encouragement, a sermon etc.--to strengthen you in your time of need.
  
• Peter slept. Then jumped up and drew the sword in opposition of God's will. v.45-51 (John 18:10 tells us that it was Peter.) Lesson: We sleep-spiritually-then when problems come, we jump up and swing a sword in opposition to God's will. We're in a spiritual war trying to use physical weapons--physical solutions. Have you ever failed miserably? Can you relate with Peter? It all stems from the lack of prayer, which by the way, according to Eph.6, is a spiritual weapon.
  
• One final note. Jesus healed the servant's ear. Peter had better be grateful He did so, or else there would have been four crosses on Calvary--one for Peter, for assaulting a Roman officer. We should thank God for stepping in, at times in our lives, and healing the wounds of our over zealousness.
  

The Blood of the Lamb: Luke 22:1-23

In today's passage we find Jesus and the disciples eating the Passover meal. On the night of Israel's escape from Egyptian bondage, the Jews were instructed to kill the spotless lamb and place its blood over the door post of their homes. And God said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you (Exodus 12:13). This blood had to be applied by faith, a faith that trusted that God would keep His Word that night. And of course, you and I know that all of this pointed to our Passover Lamb Jesus Christ. And the faith principle still applies. We are saved, NOT by admiring Jesus example, but by appropriating His blood by faith. We trust in His atoning work on the cross of Calvary to save us, redeem us--justified by His blood -Rom.5:9. Unlike the blood of animals, Christ's blood would remove the sins of all who put their faith in Him. Jesus' sacrifice would never have to be repeated. (see Heb.9:23-28). Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? Sing it with me today:
"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Chorus:
Are you washed/ in the blood/ In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?/
Are your garments spotless?/ Are they white as snow?/
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"
Has the blood of Christ been applied to the door post of your heart? Do so, by faith, today.

Prophecy Fulfilling: Luke 21

In yesterday's passage we saw Jesus upset over a corrupt religious system that was 'devouring widows' houses.' We concluded with v.4-5 when Jesus declared that this corrupt system would crumble literally. And it did. The Temple, along with Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Roman army in A.D. 70. Then Jesus continued with His Olivet Discourse, which is paralleled in Matt.24-25 and Mark 13. In those passages Jesus describes the future and final siege of Jerusalem, when the city will be taken by enemies but delivered by the return of the Lord to earth (Rev.19:11-21; Zechariah 14:2-4). In those passages the sign will be 'the abomination of desolation in the Holy Place' (Matt.24:15 and Mark 13:14 cp. 2 Thess.2:4 and Rev.13:12-15).
In today's passage, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree. The fig tree in Scripture is the symbol of the nation Israel. Israel's blossoming as a nation is one of the key signs that the Lord's coming is drawing near. If you've watched the news recently, you've seen our President in Israel. What is he there for? For Israel's 60th anniversary as a nation. The fig tree blossomed in May 1948. Prophecy being fulfilled in our very generation. Folks, Jesus could return at any moment. Are you ready? Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Place your faith in Him today. Won't you?

What Not To Give To

Today's NT reading comes from Luke 21:1-28. I want us to focus on the first four verses. Often this passage is presented by scholars, commentators and preachers alike as a message on giving. I have even preached stewardship messages from this passage, but have since repented. Is it really a stewardship message? No. Where in the text does Jesus commend the lady for giving all she had? If giving all she had was to be commended, then every week you and I would have to give our entire paycheck to the Lord--100%! But that's not it. Look at the passage again within context. Go back and read Luke 20:39-47 paying close attention to 20:47 'who devour widows houses'. Then Jesus looks up and sees this poor widow putting in all she had -21:2-3. Jesus is disgusted with this corrupt religious system that was built off the backs of poor widows. He saw a corrupt system taking the last two pennies out of this widow's pocket. Want a modern day version? "Send in your seed gift and God will multiply it." "Plant a seed in this ministry and we'll send you a prayer cloth or a vial of miracle water...", so claims the contemporary, televangelist. A modern day corrupt system built off the backs of poor, innocent victims.
You see, this passage is not about Jesus honoring giving. This is about a victim of a corrupt system; A corrupt system that would soon crumble--literally. Read v.5-6. This is not about giving or how much to give. This is about what not to give to--to a corrupt religious system.

The Passover Lamb

This weekend's NT reading is the entire chapter of Luke 20. According to Exodus 12:3-6, the Passover lambs were to be thoroughly inspected on the tenth day of Nissan, four days before their slaying. This inspection was to ensure that they were without spot or blemish. Here, in Luke 20, Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, was examined and scrutinized exactly four days before His crucifixion. First, the chief priest, scribes and elders examined and inspected Christ by questioning His Authority -20:1-20. Then they questioned His Integrity -20:21-26. And finally the Sadducees questioned His Theology -20:27-38. Their findings are summed up in v.39-40, "'Teacher, You have spoken well.' But after that they dared not question Him anymore." Just as Pilate would later say, they too could find no fault in Him. Our Savior was the Passover 'Lamb without blemish and without spot.' -I Peter 1:19. After passing this examination, Jesus then silenced these Jewish leaders by none other than the Word of God -20:41-47 (quoting Psalm 110). Make sure you find your way to the House of God this Sunday to sing praises to the Lamb that was slain for you and me!

Will You Be Used By God?

Today's NT reading comes from Luke 19:28-48. Here we see the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In v.29-31, He sent two of His disciples on a mission. "Go into the village....you will find a colt tied...loose it and bring it here. And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.'" That's interesting. Why would the Lord, the Creator of all things, have need of anything? But when you search the Gospels, you find that He needed lots of things. He needed a boat from which to preach (Luke 5:3-6). He needed some loaves and fishes with which to feed the crowd (Matt.14:16-18). He needed a room in which to share the Last Supper with His disciples (Matt.26:18). He needed a tomb from which to rise from the dead (Matt.27:60). And here He needs a colt. Why? Why does the Lord put Himself in a position of need? He does so in order that we might partner with Him in what He wants to do on earth. Whether it's preaching the Word, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, working in the kitchen, serving on a committee, assisting others in a variety of capacities so that the Kingdom of God is built up one soul at a time....whatever it might be, God is saying, "I need you." Will you be like Isaiah and say, "Here I am send me"?
Also, note the next verses (v.32-34). Before the donkey could be used by the Lord, it first had to be loosed. That's precisely what has to happen to us in order to be used by God. Again, will you be used by God? Yes? Then what's binding you? What's holding you back? Surrender fully to Him today (Rom.12:1-2).

Equal Opportunity

Today's NT reading comes from Luke 19:1-27. It includes the story of Zacchaeus and the parable of the ten pounds (the ten minas). [A pound/mina was a measure of money worth about 100 denarii, which was about three months' wages]. This parable is different than the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25. There, each man was given talents in measure, ten, five and one respectively. That speaks of the variety of gifts and ministries given to believers. However, in this parable, the parable of the pounds, everyone is given the same amount, which speaks of equality of opportunity. In other words we all have the same amount of TIME. Each of us have 24 hours in a day. Also, we all can give to God the same amount, regardless of our income. In other words, we all tithe the same percentage--TEN PERCENT. And it also speaks of the GOSPEL. The Gospel? That's right. Sometimes we may be inclined to think that we can't witness because the message we have been given to share is a lot harder than the message others are given, but we all have been given precisely the same Gospel. We all have equal opportunity in these three areas. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." That means, 'watch your step. Make the most of every opportunity you have because these are desperate times!" So let's make the most of every chance we get to share the Gospel, to give back to God, and use our time wisely, investing in eternal things.

Faith In Jesus

Today's NT reading completes Luke 18. In this chapter we see "A Demanding Widow" [18:1-8]; "A Deluded Pharisee" [18:9-14]; "Dedicated Parents" [18:15-17]; "A Dishonest Young Man" [18:18-34]; and "A Determined Beggar" [18:35-43]. These characters in this chapter teach us to put our faith in Jesus Christ. The widow was not discouraged by the indifferent attitude of the unjust judge, nor the tax collector (publican) by the hypocritical attitude of the Pharisee. The parents brought their children to Jesus in spite of the selfish attitude of the disciples, and the blind man came to Jesus even though the crowd told him to shut up and stay put. Jesus always responds to faith and rewards those who believe.
The rich young ruler did not respond with faith. He stands as a warning to all who depend on themselves and possessions to save them from sin. He shows us how close a person may come to salvation and yet turn away in unbelief and be lost for eternity. If you have not already done so, I beg you to place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Cry out to Him for mercy. He will honor your faith.

Prayer

Today's New Testament reading comes from Luke 18:1-8. Here Jesus tells us a story showing that it is imperative that we pray continually to our Heavenly Father. What Jesus does here is argue from the lesser to the greater. This widow came to the unjust judge to plead her case. She had three strikes against her. First, she was a woman in a culture where women were second-class citizens at best. Second, she was a widow. She didn't have a husband to help her get her case on the docket. All she could do is walk around the outside of the tent (where the makeshift court was held) and shout at the judge and plea for a hearing. Third, being a widow, she would have been 'dirt poor' with no money to bribe the officials to get her case on the docket. But she kept pleading persistently until he gave in.
Now consider the contrast. Here is where Jesus is arguing from the lesser to the greater. First of all, we appear not before an unjust judge, but before our loving Father. The widow had no access to the judge, but God's children have an open access into His presence and may come at any time. (Heb.4:14-16). Second, we appear before God not as strangers, but as His children. Third, this woman was a widow. We are a bride (bride of Christ -Rev.21:2). That's a huge difference. A widow feels all alone; but not so with a bride. Fourth, the widow went alone, but we have an Advocate with the Father ( I John 2:1). Jesus stands right beside us to defend us and be our Mediator. And finally, to get help the widow went to a court of law. We come to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Thus, Jesus makes His point. If this widow, through persistent prayer, gets her needs met by an unjust judge, how much more will our Heavenly Father meet His children's needs when we are in a spirit of prayer throughout the day. Prayer is our "Declaration of DEPENDENCE". We depend on our Heavenly Father to meet our needs daily. And if we don't pray, we'll end up losing heart (18:1); that is, we'll get so discouraged that we will give up and quit. So let's pray, daily, without ceasing, because "men always ought to pray and not lose heart."

Thank You Lord!

Each morning I read a chapter or portion of a chapter of the New Testament. Today's reading comes from Luke 17:11-19. Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem near the border of Samaria and Galilee. Here, ten lepers appeal to Him for help. Leprosy, as you know, is a 'type' of sin. It represents sin in the Bible. Jesus then put their faith to the test as He commanded them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they made their way to the priests they all were healed, but only one returned to Jesus to say "Thank you". Then Jesus asked the question: "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" What does this teach us? It teaches us that Jesus places high value on the service of praise. The grateful heart of this one did not go unnoticed by our Lord, but the lack of praise from the nine was noted by our Lord. One has to wonder whether or not our Lord is asking the same question of us. We are all in danger of failing to give Him the adoration which is ever due to Him. "Sometimes we may be restrained by the very natural feeling that our offerings of praise must be, at the best, poor and unworthy. But we have no right, for any such cause, to withhold from Him what He evidently values." [G. Campbell Morgan] Let us never be forgetful nor mastered by a modesty, which may become pride. But rather let us praise our Savior every day for our salvation and for all that He does for us. Jesus never grows weary of our praise. In fact, we'll sit around the throne in heaven singing "worthy is the Lamb" for all eternity. So Christians, let's not wait till then. Let's begin today offering our thanks to Jesus. In fact, that is your priestly duty, as you are now part of the 'royal priesthood' offering up spiritual sacrifices [I Peter 2:5, 9]. And one of the very first spiritual sacrifices you offer up is the sacrifice of praise [Heb.13:15 "Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." That's what this leper did. He went to the priest, but he came back as a 'priest' in the 'royal priesthood', saved and forever grateful, offering praise to Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Thank you Jesus for who You are and for what you do for me everyday. I love you because you first loved me!