Thankfully Intertwined
Title: Thankfully Intertwined
Date: November 23rd, 2025
Canvas: 24” x 24”
The theme of today is Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus heals ten lepers by telling them to go show themselves to the priests and on the way there they become 100% well. But, only one returns to thank him.
“He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him— and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’”
As I listen and pray, I’m just not feeling it...I imagine a literal depiction, but it seems stale. Then, as the band plays a ruckus song–‘I Thank God’– everyone starts dancing and clapping and I see an image: the newly healed leper…radiating gratitude and amazement… dances with Jesus, both lifting their hands in praise to God…their arms intertwined.
As I start painting, Duane Cross begins to talk about how Jesus looks directly and lovingly upon every outcast, and how the Samaritan wants more than just the miracle—he wants to deeply know the Miracle-Maker himself. Duane shares his own journey of recovery, and how the family of Christ has embraced him like Jesus. Duane says the first time any of us experiences Jesus’ healing we’re naturally grateful, but the more we look into his eyes and express our gratitude, the more we become “intertwined.” And how we can become more intertwined with others when we say ‘thank you.’ Wow! I’m just now seeing this element echoed in the interlocking arms of the figures! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for masterfully weaving us all together today! And, thank you, Duane and Hope Covenant, for allowing it to happen!