They stood as one and watched from afar
As slowly, He entered their town,
With dust covered feet, that carried their hope,
The One called the Bright Morning Star.

Together, as one, they ran hopefully to Him,
Crying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
They knew when their faith embraced mercy and love,
The sores and scars of the flesh would grow dim.

To be healed and made whole was the hope of each one,
Wrapped in rags, as the dust swirled about,
To be cleansed of the shame and made whole once again,
To be touched by God’s own precious Son.

“Go and show yourselves to the priests,” He said,
As pity swelled in His heart for the ten.
Faith gave wings to their feet, as they turned and went
And watched life return to the flesh that was dead.

No longer ten, but now only one,
Who was healed and cleansed and made whole,
Turned steadfastly around as joy flooded his soul
And loudly glorified God!  It was done!

He then fell at His feet and gave thanks from his heart,
This one, which once watched from afar.
“Ten were cleansed, the nine, where are they?”,
Asked the Lord, of those who chose to depart.

“Stranger, are you the only one to give thanks and return?”
“To turn back and give glory to God?”
The nine continued on to the task of the Law,
Humility, gratitude, dependence...
They failed to learn.

“Rise and go your way;
Your faith made you well,”
Said the Lord,
To the one, on that day.

Hear me now, when I say, 
Let’s give thanks to the One
Who touched our filthy rags
With His precious blood, did He pay.

Let’s return and give thanks,
Each new day that’s given,
To the One who cleansed us from sin,
God’s only dear Son.

To Him, be the glory, the honor and praise!
He called us and made us His own!
Let our hearts return often to offer our thanks.
Keep us humble, grateful, dependent, 
Throughout all of our days.   
Nelda Johnson copyright 2020