Pearl –
While driving on a long trip, I asked Jesus, “Please teach me more. I can’t have my Bible in front of me, but I do have plenty of time. I can listen.”
- Jesus –
Immediately He said, “In the story of the ten lepers, I healed all ten while they were on their way to show themselves to the priests. Only one came back to thank Me, when they discovered their leprosy was gone. Only one was grateful and turned around to find Me. He not only thanked Me, but he fell down at My feet.”
I asked, “Jesus, what were the nine thinking? Why not run back and say, ‘Thank you!’?”
- Jesus –
Pride leads men to entitlement. Pride says, ‘I deserve this. Of course this should happen. It is only right.’ The one who returned was a Samaritan. He had no sense of entitlement. He realized his sinful state and recognized this as a gift of undeserved Love. He didn’t just say thanks. He cried in a loud voice. He was not concerned about what the onlookers thought. His sinful needy soul came in contact with Love and understanding. He recognized the truth about himself and loved My mercy. The others never saw the truth about themselves. They were Jews who simply had the misfortune of this disease. Of course, it was only right that they should be healed. They did everything right, were from good families in the Jewish traditions. - Pride is blinding, Pearl. Pride says, ‘My wife should do such and such, because, after all, she is my wife and I deserve this. My parents should give me such and such, because I deserve it. My family should treat me with kindness, because I serve them well and give them love and kindness. They should see how much I love them and love me back.’ Pride expects gifts and service. Pride demands a return of favors and the same or higher level of service. Pride has self-centered expectations. No one is grateful for what they feel is rightfully theirs to begin with. Humility focuses on Me, Pearl, and your constant state of dependency on Me. You can do nothing without Me. Without Me, you only deserve separation from Me.
I asked, “So what can be done about the nine to help them see?”
- He said, “I healed the nine because, while they were yet sinners, I Loved them and was going to die for them. The power of Love, Love to a hardened heart – hardened by pride and jealousy – is like a battering ram. You must ram the door with Love over and over again, and eventually the door will give way. Pearl, keep using the power of My Love on those hard, blind, and prideful hearts in your life. Love them often. You have seen how blind they are to your services and gifts for them. Pride does that. It does not see or acknowledge acts of Love. Don’t be discouraged. Love always wins. Come to Me continually for a refill of My Presence and Love. You can’t give Love you don’t have. Come soak in My Love until you are overflowing. Then their pride, demands, and anger won’t be intimidating. You will be like a battering ram to their hearts. Miracles will begin. Just wait and watch.”
- “Pearl, do you feel that feeling of fulfillment and joy?”
“Yes, Jesus. It is Your Presence in me.”
- “Pearl, you have had a measure of this feeling with those in your life I gave you. Your children brought you joy and fulfillment. Being with certain people fulfilled you. Be careful. When you are fulfilled by someone other than Me, then you are in danger. This relationship might become a soul-tie or idolatry for you. Back away and come to Me. Reaffirm My place in your heart. Choose again – Me or that relationship. I Am jealous for you, Pearl. I won’t share you with anyone. There are only two allowed in Our world, Pearl – you and Me. My Love for you is intense and all-consuming. You are Mine and Mine alone.”
“Jesus, there is something about You being jealous for me that is hugely attractive, appealing, wonderful, and makes me crazy in love with You! I choose You! Take every one else away. I choose You!”
- Luke 17:11-19 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,f who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”