Sometimes I am part of the 9.  The 9 that Jesus called out in Luke 17.  You see, the Lord was traveling one day and encountered some lepers, men ostracized from society and living as outcasts because of their frightful condition.  There were 10 of them, and they cried out for mercy and healing.  And His mercy was extended.  Jesus told them to head into town to show themselves to the priest (something that had to be done to certify their cleansing), and as they went in faith, they received the miraculous healing they asked for.  What a moment for them!  A reunion with family and a return to normal life waited for them in town.  And I imagine they hurried like never before to get to that priest.  Well, all but 1.  That 1 stopped, the Scripture says, and turned back to Jesus, and “with a loud voice glorified God and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.”  And that’s when the Lord said something that should have stopped the others in their tracks.  And us as well.  “Were there not 10 cleansed?  But where are the 9?”  I’m sure the 9 were thrilled.  Perhaps there were even tears of joy shed as they returned home.  No doubt they were beyond happy to be whole again.  But were they truly grateful?  Grateful enough to give the Lord their worship and thanks?  Grateful enough to turn, slow down, and give their Healer some time?  I guess not.  But then, sometimes I, too, am more like those 9.  How about you?  Lord, help us to be more like the 1.