Sunday's Message ... Ten Lepers

Tytus spoke about the ten lepers. These ten lepers were outcasts, and none of them wanted to be living outside of town, shunned by society, suffering from physical deformity and pain. They would rather have been living with their families, in comfortable homes. Yet they were all 'united' by one common bond: leprosy. Jesus healed all ten. Only one said thank you. This is because he was focused on the Giver, rather than the gift.

Steve, Tytus, and a few men from the church go to the men's homeless shelter in Radom every Sunday evening. They also distribute sandwiches at one or more of the local parks. By going to the shelter and spending time with these men, they have learned that many of them once had successful professions -- economist, lawyer, store owner, etc. These men are now all 'united' by one common bond: alcoholism. Alcoholism has led them to homelessness, and it has separated them from their families and from society.

NONE of these men want to live in the homeless shelter. They hate the place, they hate their situation, and they often hate each other. They would rather be healthy and living with their families. As Steve, Tytus & others share Christ and food with these men, they don't want them to just look at the gift. They want them to see the Giver, Jesus Christ. Only He can offer them the ultimate healing: clean hearts & minds living in restored relationship with God the Father. Only this relationship can give them the strength they need to fight alcoholism.

Although God will always forgive our sin and heal our hearts if we ask, He may not always choose to quickly resolve our difficult situations in life. As a matter of fact, these difficulties can provide a greater opportunity for us to experience the power and strength of Christ on a daily basis. Only by trusting in Him can we make it through.

May we recognize the Giver in all good gifts, and may we remember to be thankful through all of life's difficulties. Knowing Christ IS the greatest Gift.