“Life-saving” was a popular extracurricular activity at Northwestern University during the second half of the 19th century. During four decades, students saved more than 400 people from drowning in Lake Michigan.
During a nighttime storm on September 8, 1860, Lady Elgin, a steamboat carrying 393 passengers, was hit by a lumber schooner. The steamboat sank, and 287 people drowned. Northwestern sophomore Edward Spencer swam out to offer aid and ended up rescuing 17 people.
Apparently, the ordeal was so stressful that Spencer became delirious and was confined to a wheelchair for life. When he turned 80, Spencer was asked to share his most vivid memory of that tragic day. “Not one of the 17 returned to thank me,” he replied.
This is reminiscent of Jesus’ miracle in Luke 17:11-19. Only one of the ten healed lepers returned to thank Jesus for restoring his physical health.
God made a tremendous sacrifice to rescue us. We can return thanks to him each day through our love and grateful obedience.