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Marvin the Show-Off
I never liked show-offs, those people who do things and strut around saying, “Look at me!” Meet Marvin, the ultimate show-off. Marvin had been sick for months, coughing, wheezing, and convincing everyone within earshot that he was “one sneeze away from glory.” His church prayed for him, his friends brought soup, and he took a week off from work. Then, to everyone’s amazement, Marvin got better. The congestion cleared, his energy returned, and by Saturday, he declared to everyone: “I’m back, baby!”
Sunday morning, Marvin strutted into church like a man who’d conquered death itself. He didn’t just walk; he floated, pausing at every pew to shake hands and announce, “Your prayers worked! I’m a walking miracle!” During the announcements, Pastor Eric smiled and said, “Let’s give thanks that Marvin is feeling better!” The congregation applauded politely, but Marvin wasn’t finished. “Pastor,” he said, rising to his feet, “I feel so good that I’ve signed up to run a marathon next weekend. God healed me, and I’m going to show the world what He did!”
Now, Marvin hadn’t jogged in ten years. But by midweek, he was posting selfies from the track—sweaty, red-faced, and declaring, “#Blessed #Healed #MarathonMan.” His friends suggested he pace himself. Marvin waved them off. “Can’t hide God’s glory under a bushel,” he said between gasps.
Race day arrived. Marvin showed up in neon sneakers and a shirt that read “HEALED BY GRACE.” He started strong, waving to onlookers and shouting, “Look at what God did!” By mile three, his waving slowed. By mile five, Marvin’s jogging turned into a shuffle. By mile seven, Marvin was lying in the grass asking, “Lord, can I get just a little of that healing back?”
When he finally crossed the finish line—on a stretcher—the paramedic patted his shoulder. “You’ll be fine,” she said. Marvin smiled weakly. “Guess I got carried away showing off,” he murmured.
Later that week, Pastor Eric visited him. Marvin sheepishly admitted, “I think I turned my healing into a highlight reel.” He chuckled and said, “Well, at least now you’ve got a good story for the next sermon—humility included.” Marvin grinned and said, “Turns out the best miracle isn’t running a marathon. It’s learning when to sit down and say thank you.”
Marvin’s healing focuses on gratitude rather than glory, emphasizing thankfulness over showing off. Marvin’s story reflects the moment in Sunday’s gospel when ten men with leprosy were healed, but only one returned to thank Jesus. Like the nine who hurried ahead, Marvin became so caught up in celebrating his recovery that he forgot the most important step—gratitude. Healing isn’t a performance; it’s a gift meant to deepen our humility, not inflate our ego.
The thankful leper knelt before Jesus in awe, while the others sprinted off in self-congratulation. The same is true for us: When life grants us a second chance—whether from illness, heartbreak, or hardship—the best testimony isn’t how loudly we show it off, but how sincerely we give thanks. Gratitude turns a recovery into a resurrection and a small moment of mercy into a lasting story of grace.
Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 AM or watch live on Facebook at Hopeclinton and experience God’s healing and grace in our lives without the need to show off!
All are welcome!
Shalom+
Pastor Eric
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