Gratitude Delayed….

From Wikipedia: Justice delayed is justice denied. “Justice delayed is justice denied” is a legal maxim meaning that if legal redress is available for a party that has suffered some injury, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no redress at all.

We are probably familiar with the above legal statement. Have we ever wondered if this applies to gratitude? From the story of the healing of the ten Lepers, Luke 17:11-19, we recall that only one Leper turned right back to thank Jesus the minute he realized he was healed, while heading out to the Priests as instructed by Jesus.

We can actually stretch that story and assume that the others were eventually going to come back to thank Jesus as well; they were surely filled with joy as well, but they were just in a hurry to go show themselves  and get their certification of being allowed to integrate with the general populace, having been cleansed. Once certified, they probably planned to return to Jesus and thank him profusely. Putting ourselves in their shoes, we would want to take some time to gather our family members and ask them to join us to go thank Jesus!

Jesus obviously thought differently, thus showing us His expectation of how we should express our gratitude – Immediately!. And may I add, frequently!! Coming back to thank Him way down the road  does not convey any depth of appreciation for the mercy received. We do not have to wait to see the entire picture complete, or the miracle completed and certified before we begin to thank God for showing us mercy in any particular matter. We thank God in faith for unseen endings once the door has been opened, and we please Him with that kind of faith.

For expressing gratitude in such a timely fashion, this one Leper had his faith acknowledged and commended.  He was recognized and set aside for the special honor of confirming his faith. A double blessing for doing the right thing at the right time. We can assume that Jesus is the same yesterday and today. Let us resolve to have an attitude of gratitude as instructed in scripture – giving thanks in everything. When that attitude becomes our default nature, we are able to discern when we need to turn back, and with a loud voice glorify God-v.15…even when we are still awaiting a final confirmation…..and trust that we will also be commended.

For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends – 2 Corinthians 10:13