I’M MORE THAN MY PAST

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Luke 17:11–19 NKJV

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

In 1988 Yellowstone Nation al Park was ravaged by wildfires.

Yet, by 1989 the black landscape had given way to the green of new plant life. Even from the death life sprang forth.

This story in Luke 17 reminds me of the resurrection. Death had claimed victory over these ten men. Yet, from death hope was born when Christ spoke.

However, the story was not always so bright. For those who were plagued with leprosy, their hope was stollen and the lived in fear and dread.

1. A Forgotten Place.

John 4:6–9 NKJV

Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

2. A Forgotten People.

2 Kings 5:3 NKJV

Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”

2 Kings 5:27 NKJV

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

3. A Forgotten Phenomenon.

They had forgotten the miracle.

Psalm 77:11–12 NKJV

I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.

4. A Forgotten Problem.

The problem was removed.

Isaiah 43:18–19 NKJV

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.