Can you think of the times in your life when your life took a whole new direction? Maybe it was when you graduated from high school or college. Maybe it was when a new person came into your life, such as a spouse, a newborn baby, or simply a new person who became a close friend. Maybe it was when you moved to a new location or took a new job that had you doing something you had never done before.

In this story, we find Jesus traveling with his disciples, and they come upon a group of individuals who are in dire circumstances. They have a disease that, in those times, made them outcasts. But they know who Jesus is, and they have found out what he has done in other places, and for other people. They asked for his help.

In a fashion that is typical of his ministry, Jesus heals them. Jesus gives him a new direction in life, one that they had begged for. They can now return to their normal lives, to their families and friends. This is what they wanted, and they have been truly blessed.

But only one out of the 10 realizes what has just happened to him. Only one, a Samaritan of all people, understands that this wonderful thing was not just a chance occurrence. It was a gift—a gift, directly from Jesus himself. That one person came back to thank Jesus, and to praise God.

There are many times in our lives when we take a new direction. In many cases, the change is exactly what we want, what we have been hoping for, what we have been asking for. Do we, like the other nine lepers, simply recognize our good fortune, and continue on with our lives? Or do we, like the Samaritan, understand that the gift of a new beginning is a gift from God?

Our father, in heaven, help us to recognize that the changes that take place in our lives are the gifts of your grace and your love. Help us always to accept him with discerning and thankful hearts. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jim Stovall and read by John Cherry.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

This encounter with a leper occurs as Jesus is teaching and healing throughout the land. Growing crowds are following him, amazed by the authority of his preaching. Many are hoping for healing from conditions from which they have suffered for years, even their whole lives. Despite the crowds, Jesus recognizes and reaches out to individuals such as this leper. The leper bows his head and begs Jesus for healing. In the preceding verse, the leper says “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” And Jesus does choose – the man is made clean.

In Biblical times, disease was considered to be punishment for sin. The appearance of the leper (skin lesions, rashes, discoloration of skin) made it clear that the person was not fit to enter the Temple or associate with others. Lepers were forced to live on the outskirts of town, forage for their food, and even ring a bell and call out “Unclean!” if another person came near. They lived a life of shame and isolation.

But here is Jesus, acknowledging, responding to, even touching the leper who has begged for healing. The leper’s request is granted; he is made clean. Jesus continues to reach out to us today. Whatever sin separates us from God can be forgiven and we can be made clean, if we only ask. During this Lenten season of self-examination, reflection, and repentance, may we be mindful that Jesus never turns away; the first step to healing and a closer relationship with Him is up to us.

Lord Jesus, we come to you in faith, asking to be made clean and healed from our iniquities. Thank you for the gift of your grace and forgiveness, and for always choosing love. In your name we pray, Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Pat Scruggs and read by Julie George.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Many years ago when my kids were young we had the pleasure of welcoming the African children's choir to our church. This choir was founded in 1984 by a man named Ray Barnett who was traveling in wartorn Uganda and gave a small boy a ride to a safer village. During the journey the child began to sing in the midst of all the surrounding chaos.

Out of this was born the choir which focuses on children orphaned mainly by AIDS and war. They are schooled and trained and then tour all over North America. Their performance that day was glorious.Their energy, joy, and enthusiasm were contagious.The congregation rose and danced and sang along.It was an absolute worship experience. So many kinds of voices joined together.

After they finished my young son leaned over and whispered to me, “I wish I could dance and sing like that without being embarrassed.” Don't we all. We practiced singing to the Lord and letting the world know of his glory that day.

Lord, help us to see the glorious things you have done in your world around us each and every day and not be embarrassed to tell others that they may also see your goodness. Amen.

This devotion was written and recorded by Leslie Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.