The Unexpected Thank You

By Mary Vee
Luke 17 

Peter

Photo by Mary Vee
Land near Jerusalem

My name is Peter, I am a disciple of Jesus.

The other disciples and I walked with Jesus to the south toward Jerusalem along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 

We happened upon a village and turned when ten men call out to us. The men kept their distance but shouted, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"





In our time, men and women with leprosy were not allowed in the cities. The disease is highly contagious. Before a leper can enter a city they must have the approval of the priest who first examines the individual for signs of the disease. If they are cured they will receive approval to enter the city. If they are not healed, they won't be allowed in through the city gates.

Jesus said to the men, "Go to the priest and show yourselves." 

As they walked away their bodies became whole. The leprosy had left them.

One man stopped walking. He looked at his hands, turning them side to side. He touched his face. He sprang up into the air and shouted, "I am healed!" He turned and ran to Jesus. This is important. If he had any leprosy the law states he could not walk near any person. 

The man fell at Jesus' feet and wept. "Thank you. Thank you for healing me." He lifted his eyes and praised God in a loud voice. 

Photo by Mary
Land near Jerusalem

This man was a Samaritan. Samaritans and Jews did not get along well. Yet this man, cleansed of his leprosy approached Jesus, born a Jew, and thanked Him. At this moment, the man was one who had a disease and Jesus, the Son of God, healed him.

Jesus said, "Weren't all ten of you healed from leprosy? Where are the other nine? They were Jews. You were the only Samaritan. Didn't they come with you?"

The man didn't answer. He continued to weep and thank God for healing him.



Jesus said, "Stand. Go to your family and home. Your faith has made you well."

He stood and walked toward the temple. A few steps farther he turned back with a very happy smile and said, "Thank you."  

Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Uzziah's Big Mistake

By Mary Vee
II Kings 15, II Chronicles 26

From the Journals of Priest Azariah

One of the other priests noticed king Uzziah walking to the temple. This seemed a bit strange.

Uzziah has been a strong man of God, leading the country of Judah to worship Him. 

We have experienced great prosperity. Buildings have been built. Our armies have been strengthened. Everything has gone so well.

Why king Uzziah is going into the temple baffles me. I sent for the other priests to meet with me.

It took a little time but eight priests gathered around me. "Do any of you know why king Uzziah is in the temple?"

"No," they responded. But he isn't allowed to offer incense on the altar of incense. We better go see what he is doing.

"I agree," I said. "You realize that any priest who goes with me is risking his life by questioning the king?"

The group nodded and stood strong. I led the willing priests into the temple where we found Uzziah preparing to burn incense on the altar of incense.

"King Uzziah."

He turned around abruptly with a guilty look on his face.

"It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense to do." I held my arm out and pointed to the door. "Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful. You will not be honored by the Lord God."

King Uzziah held the censor tight in his hand. "What right have you to tell me what to do?" 

The king yelled for a few minutes at us and while he raged, leprosy sores broke out on his forehead. I and the other priests stepped back and gasped.

"What? What's wrong?" the king yelled.

"Leprosy, my Lord. We must get you out of here at once." I nodded to a few other priests to help me lead the king out of the temple and to his chamber in the palace. 

"Hurry," the king shouted. "Get me out of here before something else happens to me."

The doctors used every means to comfort the king. King Uzziah was taken to a separate house where he lived until his last days. He never was able to return to the temple.

His son, Jotham, helped reign the country of Judah until Uzziah breathed his last breath.

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1. Who saw Uzziah enter temple?
2. Why was Uzziah doing?
3. Why was he not allowed to do that?
4. Uzziah listened--did not listen to instructions to leave the temple.
5. What happened to Uzziah?

Elisha:Gehazi's Greed + Lies = Trouble

By Mary Vee
II Kings 5

From Gehazi's Journals

Photo courtesy

Naaman, the Armean commander healed of leprosy, left Elisha's house a while ago. I couldn't stop thinking about all the marvelous gifts he wanted to give Elisha.

I'm not exactly sure why my master refused the gifts. He said something about the Lord healing Naaman. I understand that. Still, when someone offers valuable gifts, one should accept them. It's only polite

Think of all he could have done with the money and clothes he would have received. Even if he didn't want them he could have given them to someone else. Maybe even me.

The thoughts swirled around in my head, driving me crazy. Poor Naaman only wanted to show his appreciation. What could be wrong with that? I had to do something. A great plan came to mind. I'd run to catch up with Naaman and those traveling with him and make up a story. If Elisha won't take the gifts, I will. 

When the time came for my outdoor chores, I turned to the road and ran in the direction Naaman traveled. The sun moved across the sky before I finally caught up with him. Not long after, I had them in sight. His group halted their horses and waited for me to catch up.

Naaman stepped down from his fancy chariot. "You are Elisha servant, right?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes." I inhaled a few times to catch my breath. "My master sent me to say 'Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.'"

Naaman's eyebrows rose. "By all means. Here take two talents." He tied the talents into two bags and ordered his men to give me two sets of clothing. His servants selected two pieces of clothing and walked ahead of me carrying them. 

I appreciated the servants carrying the clothing, but I didn't want Elisha to see. When we came to the top of the hill, I took the things from the servants, put them away in the house, and dismissed the servants.

I went back into the house and found Elisha standing there.

He had a suspicious look in his eyes. "Where have you been, Gehazi?"

I kept a serious look on my face. "I didn't go anywhere."

Elisha stroke his beard and leaned on his cane. "Wasn't my spirit with you when Naaman got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time we should accept gifts of money, clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or servants? 

I couldn't figure how he knew all of this.

Elisha stared deeply into my eyes. He knew all that I had done! 

"Because you went to Naaman and took the gifts, his leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Elisha looked away.

I had hoped he wasn't serious, after all Naaman offered the gifts. 

I walked away from him and looked down at my hands. My skin had turned white as snow. I had leprosy.

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1. What did Gehazi stew about after Naaman left?
2. Why hadn't Elisha accepted the gifts from Naaman?
3. What did Gehazi decide to do?
4. What did Naaman do when Gehazi told the lies? (Naaman did not know Gehazi lied)
5. What did Gehazi do when the servants reached the hill?
6. Where did Gehazi put the things received from Naaman?
7. What did Elisha ask Gehazi?
8. What did Elisha know ahead of time?
9. What punishment did Gehazi receive?

Elisha-Namaan's Leprosy is Healed!

By Mary Vee
I Kings 5

From Naaman's Journals

Photo Courtesy

This whole plan seemed utterly ridiculous to me. I am a commander. The Israelite prophet didn't even step out his door to speak with me. Neither did he invite me into his house. I, the favored commander in the king of Aram's army was disregarded like a common simpleton.

Imagine. This prophet. What his name? Oh,yes. Elisha. The prophet Elisha sent a mere messenger to his door to give me instructions to go to the Jordan river and wash seven times. I deserved better treatment. 

He expected me to go to the muddy waters of the Jordan and wash? Can anything be cleaned in the Jordan? I think not. 

"Commander?" My servant, who walked beside my horse, shaded his eyes from the sun as he looked in my direction. 

"Speak. Make it quick." I didn't feel like listening to his words, but granted permission anyway.

"My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? And now, how much easier could it be, when he tells you to simply go to the Jordan, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" The servant kept his eyes fixed on me for a short time before looking back to the ground.

He had a good point. When I left my home I stood prepared to do anything, pay any price, offer my service, all in exchange to have the leprosy cured. The Israelite prophet only asked me to bathe in the muddy waters of Jordan. What could it hurt?

"Head for the river Jordan." All the horses and chariots turned on the road leading to the river. At the river banks I dismounted and stepped on the sandy shore. The cool waters touched my feet.

My servants assisted me as I stepped into the chilly waters. "Keep track of the number. I don't want to do this any more thank I have to."

"Yes, my lord." 

I bent my knees dipped my head below the mirky waters, unable to see anything. As I stood I rubbed my eyes and rubbed the cold water off my skin. There had been no change. 

I lowered myself under the water surface again, and again, listening to my servant keep count and wiping the sediment from my skin. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. 

The water dripped from my skin into the river as I stood. "Master. Your skin!"

I didn't know what they saw. I felt a difference on my skin, but still needed to wipe the water from my eyes. 

"Take my hand," my servant called. "I'll help you to shore."

I rubbed my eyes then reached for his hand. That was when I saw the difference. The skin on my arm no longer had the disease. I inspected my other arm. It, too, appeared pure. "Look!"

My servant pulled me to the shore. "I see, master. The leprosy has left you. Your arms and legs have the skin of a young boy."

Now, normally I would not dance about like a child over something good that happens. I am, after all a commander and must behave accordingly. This time, though, I could not contain myself. I danced about, showing the cleansed skin from my arms to every man with me. For the first time in quite a while--I laughed.

"The prophet of Israel spoke the truth." I said in my merriment. "His God has healed me! Come, we must return to the prophet's house at once and thank him."

Come back next time to read what happened at Elisha's house.

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1. What did Naaman think of Elisha's plan?
2. What did he feel he could think this way?
3. What did his servant tell him?
4. Why did Naaman change his mind?
5. What happened at the river Jordan?
6. After the seventh time Naaman dipped into the water, he saw_________
7. What did Naaman decide to do next?

Elisha: Naaman is Insulted

By Mary Vee
II Kings 5

From A Messenger's Journal

Photo Courtesy

The king of Israel was outraged. 

He sent me to Elisha's home with a message complaining about a commander from the army of Aram. 

Elisha invited me into the house. "What news do you have?"

I bowed to him in respect and said, "Naaman, commander of the Armean army, brought a letter from his master asking the king of Israel to heal Naaman's leprosy. The king was furious, he tore his clothes and screamed, 'Am I God? Why did the king of Aram send this man to me to be cured of leprosy? He's obviously trying to pick a fight.'"

Elisha sighed. "Go back to the king and give him this message, 'Why do you tear your robe? Send the man to me so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel.'"

I ran back to the king, excited to give the message. This would please the king of Israel and ease his anger.

The gatekeeper allowed me through the palace door without questions. I hurried to the king's chamber and requested to deliver my report.

The king waved his hand, allowing me to enter his chamber. "What did Elisha say?"

I repeated Elisha's message and was happy to see the king smile. 

He turned to his guard. "Send for Naaman."

Naaman and the men with him arrived soon after, bowed before the king, and stepped into his chambers. "You called for us?"

"Yes. You are to go to the prophet Elisha's home. He will care for your problem. This messenger will lead the way." He pointed to me.  "Go at once."

I led the commander from the palace, through the city, and on the road to Elisha's house. Naaman had his horses and chariots, he appeared rather official and important. I felt honored to lead his party.

We stopped in front of Elisha's house. "This is the home you seek." 

Naaman dismounted and walked to the door. Before he knocked a messenger opened the door. "Naaman, commander of king Aram's arm?"

"Yes, I am. I wish to speak with Elisha the prophet."

"I have a message for you from Elisha. He says, 'Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan. Then your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." The messenger closed the door.

Naaman's eyes widened. His face reddened. "Is that all?" he shouted. "I thought that he would surly come to to me. Stand beside me and call on the name of the Lord his God. Perhaps wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy." He balled his fist. "Aren't the Abana and Pharpar rivers near Damascus better than any of the waters in Israel.? Can't I simply wash in them and be cleansed?" 

He paced a few steps then shook his head. "Oh forget it. I should have know this wouldn't work." He mounted his horse, still red-faced and grumbling to himself.

Such a simple task for Naaman to do. I would have run to the river. 

Come back next time to find out what Naaman does.

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1. Why was the king of Israel outraged?
2. What did he ask the messenger to do?
3. What message did Elisha send back to the king?
4. What all did Naaman have with him when he followed the messenger?
5. Who answered the door?
6. What message did Elisha give Naaman.
7. What did Naaman do?

My Brothers Prayed for Me; I'm Forgiven

By Mary Vee
Numbers 12:10-16

Miriam's Thoughts

 

My hands, my face, my whole body had leprosy.  Just like that.

Fear bubbled from my feet to my head causing every bone to tremble.  I looked at my brother, Aaron, and then at Moses but could barely see them through tears.  How can I breathe? 

The Lord punished me. What did I say? Oh yes, I remember now.  The words played over and over in my mind, "Did the Lord speak only through Moses? Hasn't he also spoken through us?" I complained to Aaron yesterday as we walked about all the attention Moses got.  Because of my words, Aaron joined in complaining with me. I said such cruel words.

My legs crumbled to the ground.  Why did I say those words?  Will God ever let me worship Him again?

Between sobs I heard Aaron cry out to Moses, "Oh my lord! Please don't lay this sin on us." I wiped my eyes and saw him fall before Moses.  He pressed his hands together. "My lord, we have been foolish in this sin. Please don't let her be as one dead, whose skin is half gone!"

I closed my arms around my stomach and wept as I never had before.  Not because of the pain, or the leprosy, but because I had sinned against my brother, Moses, and the Lord.  Only yesterday I remembered my friends who complained against the Lord when they wanted special food. And now, here I am, guilty of the same sin.

My sweet brother, Moses, lifted his eyes toward the sky. He raised his arm to heave and cried, "Please heal her, O God, I pray!"  


Even though I said cruel words against him, Moses prayed to God to heal me.


Tears soaked the ground.


The Lord, the Great God in Heaven, answered, "Let her be shut out of the camp seven days, and afterward she may be return."


He forgave me?  The Lord forgave me for speaking cruel words about His chosen worker?  He forgave me for my jealousy?

During the seven days I camped alone, I listened to the people sing praises to God. I heard their laughter and the children play.  I longed to be with them. Day by day my heart healed.


Day by day, I thanked the Lord for forgiveness, for my brothers, for my life, for my family, and for His Love.


The people waited for me.  They didn't move the camp and leave me behind.  God's cloud stayed over the Tabernacle until the seven days ended. 


My heart has changed.


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1. What did Miriam do wrong?
2. What was her punishment?
3. Who prayed for her?
4. What did Miriam learn?
5. What did you learn?

Mutiny in the Desert

By Mary Vee
Numbers 12:1-10

Miriam's Thoughts

Many of my friends gobbled the quail as though they'd never eat again. Unfortunately that's exactly what happened. Each one of them suffered from a plague and died. They shouldn't have grumbled against the Lord.  I miss them. I miss the laughing and singing and joking we did together to pass the time. 

The Lord led us to northeast to Hazeroth the day after the plague ended. I walked alone. I did a lot of thinking on that walk. My brother Moses had married an Ethiopian woman. This had bothered me for a long time, but during my thinking time, it made me angry. How could he marry her? Why not marry an Israelite?


I didn't realize I had been grumbling out loud until Aaron came up to me. "What are you mad about?"


"Mad? Oh, nothing."

Aaron smiled his goofy smile. "Come on. Tell."

"Well, if you must know. I don't think Moses should have married that Ethiopian woman."


He nodded and did one of his usual grunts when he's unhappy. "I don't like it either. He isn't the only one the Lord speaks to. We're important, too!"


Well, we complained about Moses for the rest of the journey to Hazeroth. It didn't make me feel better; in fact, I became angrier. A crowd of people gathered near Aaron and me. Soon they grumbled against Moses as well.


When we arrived at Hazeroth, our people set up camp, including the Tabernacle. I didn't feel like eating dinner--I didn't sleep well that night either.

The next morning, the Lord called Moses, Aaron, and me to the Tabernacle. He had never done that before.  My hands grew sweaty and my heart raced. Had we displeased the Lord? As we stood outside the Tabernacle the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the doorway. He called Aaron and me.   We looked at each other with wide eyes. I bit my lower lip and stepped forward.


The Lord spoke, "Moses is faithful above all others. I speak to prophets among you in dreams, but to Moses I speak face to face. Even plainly, and not with mysteries. He sees the form of the Lord. You should have been afraid to speak against My servant Moses."


I couldn't speak.  How did He know what we said? My hands trembled. I looked at Aaron then at my hands.  My skin had turned white--completely white. I had leprosy!


I--I will write more next time.


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1. What happened to some of Miriam's friends?
2. What was Miriam angry about?
3. Who did she tell?
4. What did they decided to do?
5. Who heard what they talked about?
6. What did the Lord do?
7. What did you learn?

Moses' Staff

by Mary Vee
Exodus 3:15-4:8

I had gone for a short walk away from the flock and discovered a bush on fire. A voice spoke to me from the bush. 

I had been listening to the voice and wondered who was speaking.  The voice told me He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  When I asked what name I should call Him, He said, "I AM." 

I had taken my sandles off as God told me to. He said the ground where I stood was holy.  If the ground was holy then I needed to do more than remove my sandles.  What would happen to me if I looked at the flames, knowing God's voice was there? I hid my face and scrinched close to the ground. 

He listend to my questions and answered them one by one while instructing me what to do.

God told me to go back to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to release the children of Israel from slavery.  I asked more questions about what to say. He answered, "Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, 'The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob appeared to me. He said, "I have seen what is done to you in Egypt. I will bring you out of your slavery to a land filled with milk and honey." ' "

The longer I listened to His voice, the more my heart calmed. I wanted to hear everything He had to say.  He spoke with wisdom, and treated me like a son. Sure, I was surprised he wanted to talk to me, afterall who was I?  Yet, the more I listened to His instructions, the more I wanted to do what He asked.

God said the Israelite elders would go with me before Pharaoh.  When I asked what we should say, God answered, "Tell Pharaoah the Lord God of the Hebrews has met with you. Ask him to please let you go three days journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord your God.  But, Moses, even though you say those words, I am sure Pharaoh will not let you go."

I realized God had a complete plan to help the Israelites leave Egypt.  He told me, "I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in Pharaoh's midst.  Afterwards, Pharaoh will let you go.  When the time comes for the Israelites to leave, the Egyptians will give the Israelites silver, gold, and clothing."

This sounded great, but I couldn't figure out how to get the Israelite elders to believe God sent me?  So, I asked Him.

He said, "Moses, what is that in yor hand?"

I glanced down, "A rod."

He told me to throw it on the ground.  I did.  Right before my eyes, my rod, the one I've used for many years to guide my flock, turned into a serpant.  It scared me.  I ran to a safe distance. 

God spoke to me again. "Moses, reach out and take the serpent by the tail."

If His voice hadn't been calm and firm, I might not have moved forward right away.  Somehow, though, I knew I wouldn't be hurt.  I stepped back toward the serpant and caught it by the tail.  It stopped moving and became stiff. When I looked again, I realized the serpant became my rod.  God said, "Do as I have shown you before the elders that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has appeared to you."

I moved my hand up and down my rod finguing the grains to make sure no serpent scales remained.  It felt the same as before.  How exciting! 

God spoke to me again. "Put your hand inside your tunic." I did as He said and then pulled my hand back out.  The skin of my hand turend pasty white.  I had leprosy. Before I had a chance to panic, God said, "Put your hand inside your tunic again." I did.  As I pulled my hand back out, I squeezed my fingers together and found they worked like normal.  My skin felt like it did before. God healed my hand!

I had never seen God work in this way.  In this one conversation, my job changed from watching sheep to listening to God's word.

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What did God ask Moses to do?
What happened when Moses obeyed?
What did Moses learn?