#1221. Faith acts (29/1/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series.

At present, I'm only posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

From Luke 17:11-17, we reflect on whether we are living a life of faith that obeys Jesus’ word.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. (You can also listen on Spotify and many other podcast platforms.)

https://youtu.be/5oul6mUGJ0Q

‘Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”’ (Luke 17:11-17)

Luke 17:11–17

In Luke 17:11-17, after they ask Jesus for mercy, He tells them to go and show themselves to the priests. It’s as they go, and not before, that they are cleansed of their leprosy. It’s interesting that it was as they went that they were healed. Their going to the priest for confirmation of healing (see Leviticus 14) was a demonstration of their faith. Faith obeys Jesus’ word. In any area of life, we must obey Jesus. We don’t wait for Him to sort out all of the problems before we obey Him! Of faith we read:

Luke 17:11–17

‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1)

Hebrews 11:1

Faith perceives the unseen as real and trusts as if we already possess it. The faith described in Hebrews 11 primarily focuses on the assurance of our salvation and the promise of a resurrection body in the new heavens and earth. These are realities that we do not yet see with our physical eyes but only with the ‘eyes’ of faith. However, this faith for the fullness of salvation parallels the faith we exercise in every aspect of life. Like the lepers in Luke 17, faith sees and believes in the promises of Jesus, even when they remain invisible. Faith listens to His words, trusts His character, and acts as though His promises are already fulfilled, confident that He will do as He has said.

Today, let’s ask ourselves if we are living a life of faith? Are we seeking to do what Jesus says? Even if things seem hard or impossible are we obeying and believing Jesus?

Let’s pray together as we finish

“Lord Jesus, you always keep your promises. You are able to do what’s impossible for humans. You still work miracles. Help me to walk in faith. Help me to listen and do what you say. In the areas of life that I’m finding difficult at present I choose to pray, trust and do what you say. Amen.”