Nine Did Not Return

"And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."  Luke 17:17-18.  Ten lepers were healed by Christ.  Only one, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks for the act of mercy that had been shown to him.  Why did the other nine not return?  Perhaps, they considered that going back to honor Jesus was an inconvenience.  Perhaps, they intended to thank Him at another time.  Perhaps, they simply had no gratitude for this act of kindness that Jesus had shown them.  What about us?  Life can be hurried.  There can be seasons of inconvenience.  And, yes, maybe we can do it later.  Then again, we might just not do it at all.  Think for a moment about the mercy that God has shown to each of us.  It truly is amazing, isn't it?  Sin forgiven.  Hope renewed.  Fellowship restored.  The mercy that flows from heaven is a constant stream coming from a God that loves to heal.  We need to return and show gratitude lest the next time that we need healing God isn't in the mood to heal.