Dear God,
In the name of Jesus, I ask that I be filled with Your Holy Spirit, as I study Your word, and reflect on the lessons You reveal. The multitude of people who had been flocking after Jesus, were astonished at His teaching on an intellectual level. It would seem that many at that time did not give their heart to Jesus. Jesus knew that an interest planted is not wasted, for after His death, many of them were converted and followed Him.
In the gospel record, comes an episode that alerts us as to what true worshipful believing faith looks like and the response of Jesus to his request. In that time, came a leper, who first worshiped Jesus, then in a humble, faith statement said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” Matthew 8: 2. Without hesitation, Verse 3 “Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing be cleansed.’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
The priests looked down on those afflicted with leprosy, as they saw as a judgement from God. Not so Jesus, He welcomed all who came seeking of every status and need. As a lesson for the priests, the leper, was instructed Verse 4 “…..go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
The priests and elders hated people of the Roman rule. No so Jesus, when a centurion came pleading, Verse 6, 7 “’saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented,’ and Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.’” So often in spiritual presentations, the speakers encourage us to claim texts and demand answers, especially for healing. I am not seeing this in these examples, I am seeing faith within humility and the acknowledgement that You are all powerful and can heal, but not at our demand, but in Your Divine all-knowing will and love response. The centurion did not feel worthy to have Jesus come to his house, Verse 8 “…..But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus marveled at the faith of the Roman centurion. Verse 13 “Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way: and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.’ And his servant was healed that same hour.”
Because I am worthy in Your eyes, please take my life and heart, and grow in me a love and faith, that humbly turns to You all through the day in loving worship and praise, then needful supplication.
Amen