PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 7:1-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)
Israel had been occupied by Rome for 70 years by this time.
He served Caesar, he owned slaves, he enforced Rome’s laws.
And yet this man stood out as good – like a ‘good Nazi’.
Would this man be accepted as a man of faith in churches today?
His beliefs would first be tested, to make sure they were right.
His actions would be tested, and he would be told to stop doing bad.
Get rid of your slave(s), put down your sword, stop serving Caesar.
Jesus handles this so differently, affirming his faith as great.
Jesus heals his servant without meeting him, without testing him.
Jesus seems to understand faith differently than we do.
Jesus welcomes and works with those who are open to him.
Their faith is still weak, their lifestyle still flawed.
I suspect that there are a lot more people of faith like this.
The church may not welcome or work with them, but Jesus does!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being more gracious with seekers and strugglers than we are. Help me to see the faith of those who do not believe like I do!
“But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” The Centurion believed in Jesus power – and he knew his place as a gentile – yet he wanted to spare his Hebrew servant. So he just asked Jesus to say so – and his servant was healed. I do believe in Jesus’ power to heal. My prayers are answered and I’ve seen healing – but its not me – its by Jesus – He knows what’s best. Lord I believe help me to address any reservations about your power – also help me not to be fearful to pray boldly! I know you want what’s best for those whom we pray for!
Serving.
The centurion was serving not only the government but also the people in the community. In the reading we also see he was a caring man those those who served him. Yet he still was the enemy because he represented the occupation of the Romans. Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. Here is an example of faith in a place we did not expect it. God moves in mysterious ways. Faith surfaces in places we do not expect. Jesus welcomes the centurion as a man of faith, faith that you and I need. We all need to welcome all of God’s children for His family is very diverse.
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.