Day 3- Brought low
“…Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. …And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed…”
Luke 7:1-10
Sometimes in life, we are brought low by circumstances or affliction.
Today and tomorrow, we will see two people who have been brought low by circumstances beyond their control.
Today, we see a strong, powerful man brought low by the sickness of a person that he loves and values deeply. This Roman soldier, whom we usually see as oppressive and antagonistic to people of faith, is looking to Jesus because he is desperate for his beloved servant. Almost certainly, his position and means have afforded him access to the best medical help available, but here he is seeking out Jesus. And notably with the full support and endorsement of the Jesus-followers, he has been uncharacteristically kind and helpful, too.
And apparently, his seeking has not been a casual effort. It seems he has watched and studied him deeply enough to recognize, through his military paradigm, the authority and power he sees in Jesus. And he knows his place. He chooses humility and submission to this higher authority.
INWARD: Father, what do you want me to know?
What do you see and notice about his approach to Jesus?
What do you see about Jesus’ response to him?
OUTWARD: Father, what do you want me to do?
Is there a place where you have been brought low by circumstances in some similar way?
Can you identify one step you can take towards Jesus in faith?
