Ever since he was a tiny little toddler my second son's favorite bible account is when Jesus heals ten lepers and only one turns and thanks Jesus. I never really understood what exactly from this account caught my son's attention. Was it the disease? Was it the healing? Was it the healer? So I asked. To my astonishment this three year old at the time stated, "Why did only one turn back and say thank you? Weren't they all suffering from the same thing?"

Out of the mouth of babes! 

As a child when I went to the movie theater to see a film I use to try to anticipate whether the crowd would clap at the end of the movie. It was rare, but when a great film completed the theater would erupt with claps, cheers, and a very strong emotion of joy would fill the theater causing this sense of not wanting to leave. As I have entered into adulthood, this sense of joy and recognition of witnessing greatness seems to be lost. I cannot remember the last movie I saw in the theater let alone one that people actually clapped in joyous celebration of experiencing it together. I believe the cause of dullness is weariness in the people. The weariness in our spirits. 

When was the last time you clapped with unexplainable joy? When was the last time you acknowledged the witnessing of a miraculous work?

Ever buy furniture you have to assemble? The package arrives and I carefully take every piece out of the box and lay it down in organized piles. Then I quickly open up the instructions. I read carefully through those instructions before beginning to assemble the item. Carefully. Very carefully to ensure not one item is misplaced. I look over the instruction with great detail.

Ever watch a movie so many times you can recite each line? It may be your favorite movie or the favorite movie of a loved one. If not movies, maybe you can recite quotes from well known writers and poets. In order to do either you had to spend time listening and reading the material over an extended period of time. Over time you can hear the line or the theme music anywhere out of context and still you are able to recognize it. Well the Lord desires the same type of bond with His word. 

How would you respond to a child who pushes the limits, walks contrary to everything you advise, and is not willing to obey? You would look favorably upon them and make them fruitful, right? Of course not! 

What if you were this child? How then would you respond? Speaking from my own experience when I am this disobedient child I have my long list of justifications and reasons why even though I was walking contrary to my father not willing to obey I deserve favor (grace), peace, and blessings. God knew this would be so and therefore He laid it out quite clearly in His word how He responds to His children.