Power over others is never a right or a personal possession. It is a privilege, a gift, and a trust. God expects those who hold power to rule with justice and compassion. God's fundamental laws are written in all human hearts. Those who fail to do so, using their power to oppress and persecute others, will answer to God. This applies to politicians, rulers, bosses, families, and religious leaders - in fact, to everyone. Divine accountability needs to be kept in mind in our world that is marked by so much abuse of power.

Leprosy was such a scourge in the ancient world, and it remained so until the discovery of modern medicines. Why would nine lepers that had been cured fail to even thank Jesus? Perhaps they were healed on the outside but still clung to their negative self-image in their minds. In a sense, they still thought of themselves as lepers. Often we find it difficult to let go of the past and to begin to think in new ways. The one who came back praising God and thanking Jesus took the healing deep into his heart and soul - he was a new man. He was an outsider - a Samaritan - and perhaps could see and understand the work of God more clearly than those who complacently took God for granted. He still had the ability to be delighted and amazed at the goodness of God. Let us take a lesson from our Samaritan friend and be grateful to God for many blessings and mercies.