Week of October 5

The psalmist writes that we are to praise God. “Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness.” (Psalm 150:2). Sometimes we simply feel like shouting out our praise to God, and we should do so! The psalmist knew this was a normal response to the God who was worthy of praise. God used his creative might to rescue people from their current distress (HCBC). Luke shows us precisely how God does this, so, let’s praise him today!

Geography causes Bible interpreters a bit of a problem in our focal passage, and I include it here because such things amaze me in a good way. These scholars provide essential understanding of the biblical text and help us with our clarity and application. The way Luke writes the phrase, passing along between Samaria and Galilee on His way to Jerusalem, does not appear to be accurate when viewed geographically (17:11; lit. “through the midst”). When we look at a map of the region at that time, we wonder what he meant, because Jerusalem is south of Samaria and Galilee! 

The phrase leads one to think that He was traveling east-west, which is confusing. Some think Luke did not know the region, but I believe he was indicating that Jesus was saturating the region with His ministry. In other words, He was crisscrossing the entire area on His way to Jerusalem. This certainly demonstrates His persistence (Luke 15:8-10). You may wonder, What on earth does this mean for me today? You are valuable to the Father! He knows where you live, and He seeks and finds you.

The theology of the God who seeks and saves the outcast comes to my mind in this circumstance. Lepers were required to live apart from society. Only when they had been declared clean by a priest could they reenter their communities and homes (17:14; Leviticus 13:38-46; 14:1-32; Numbers 5:2-4). Here Jesus stood in the middle of Samaritan “no man’s land” and sought out leprous “nobodies” to bring healing into their lives (17:12, “village,” no name given). Furthermore, the passage shows us that He also saved one of the ten who sought spiritual healing as well (17:17-19). This God needs to be praised, for He provides all that we think we need and more!

Anthropology comes to my mind as well. Nine lepers were Jewish in contrast to the one who was a foreigner. Luke is building to a point that demonstrates one of his themes in the book. God’s salvation is for Jews and Gentiles. He may also have been showing the reality of Christ’s teaching, that the first will be last (17:17-18; cf. Luke 13:30; NAC). These men received physical healing, but overlooked their deeper need. Many within Israel had done this through the centuries. The one super-outcast, who was a Samaritan and a leper, had received the double healing—physical and spiritual. The last would indeed be first, and Luke’s Gentile readers would be most grateful that God included them in His forever love. The Samaritan leper saw the profound depth of his own sin and cried out to the Savior. Once he was cleansed, he praised God at the top of his lungs. Indeed, “Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to his excellent greatness!”

I have visited on occasion the “church on the hill.” I altered the name a bit because it describes geographically where the facility sits—atop a hill. It was, in many respects, my “passing through the midst church,” because so much that happened there reminded me of Luke 17:11-19. I write this with great affection. Here there were more piercings, tattoos, head-shavings and coloring per square foot than 98% of the churches I usually attended! Even so, their outward adornment is not what was most eye-catching to me. Each time I worshiped there, people were saved. The joy over a changed life was genuine and loud in worship services, as people erupted into applause and cheers when it happened. I witnessed baptismal services where the candidates and congregation shouted aloud with praise when people emerged from the baptismal pool.

Here is the spiritual point. I’m so grateful for the spiritual healing I have received, and I know you are as well. However, I am most happy that our God seeks all people to save them. Praise God that He “passes through the midst.”

1. This may take a bit of time, but where is your place that the Savior wishes to accompany you as you “pass through the midst”? Pray for God to empower and use you to share His good news in that place.

2. For Families: This week, we can try something new with our children. Obtain a large map of the globe, and another one of your state (like Texas). As you may be aware, many adults, students, and young children have never learned to use a map and this tool is foreign to them.

First, give a few general instructions about how to use a map. Talk about a map being a “bird’s eye view,” its coordinates (GPS), and the continents they see. Then find North America, the United States, its various regions, where Washington DC is, and finally, the state where you live. Next, unfold your state map and locate its capital, how long it takes to drive there from your house, the famous state parks and attractions, and then your city. Try to pinpoint where you live in your city.

Next, get your phone and google-map your address. Zoom out and show your children the big picture that matches the map, and then zoom in and show the more precise screen that zeros in on your address and house and its street view. Do they see where they live in the world?

Share with your children the message of this devotional. Not only does God know exactly where you live, but He knows where you will be going today, and the people who will be in your vision today. Pray that God will place people in your family’s life who need the Gospel, and that each person in your family will be aware of who God is sending their way. Meet up for supper and report on your encounters as God, through your family, “passes through the midst.”

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock