Elders' Meeting 2-13-24

We’re here under more optimistic situations this time

I’ve selected this text...

(which is odd for an elders’ devotional)

…to remind us of the importance of returning thanks to God...

…and not taking his kind provisions for granted:

It consists of 2 Parables:

Reminds us that He doesn’t owe us anything

Reminds us that owe him EVERYTHING!

Luke 17:7–10 (ESV)

7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’?

8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’?

9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?

10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

Probably meant to be an indictment on the Pharisees

We must not be like them.

Luke 17:11–19 (ESV)

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance

13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

Notice the contrast in disposition of heart

14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

Faith!

15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;

16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

He recognized that Jesus didn’t owe him anything

That this provision was his grace

Why did the others not turn back?

Too self-consumed, I imagine

Wanted to get to living their lives

17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?

18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

The reality is, that...

…it’s easy for us in the Christian Ministry...

…to fall into the same arrogant trap.

It’s easy to start thinking:

God needs me/us

We’re doing great things for Him

We’re helping His people so much

He OUGHT to sustain our work!

No!

Not at all!

We’re just servants doing our duty.

We don’t even do that sufficiently.

It’s easy to forget about him...

…when the need has been met...

…and we’re living at ease.

We must be on guard against that.

He’s cleansed us (at least for now)...

…of our financial leprosy.

He didn’t owe that to us.

So, let’s not take it for granted in our hearts.

And let’s make sure that we...

…with heart and voice...

…return to give him praise!

Ask someone to pray and give thanks for us