Knowing your place
So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, ‘Sir, don’t trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house, neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I too, am a man placed under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, “Go!” and he goes; I order that one, “Come!” and he comes; and I order my slave, Do this. and he does it.’ (verses 6-8)
Read Luke 7: 1-17
The Roman officer knew how to give orders and how to obey them. He knew where he and everyone else fitted into the hierarchy of the Roman army. He knew that if his words were powerful and carried weight, the words of Jesus must carry even greater power. Jesus would be able to command sickness to depart.
The officer also recognised his status in relation to Jesus; he was somewhere on the bottom rung of the hierarchical ladder. He didn’t consider himself worthy to offer hospitality to Jesus or even to come and approach him. But he certainly had faith in Jesus’ word of command, his ability to heal. He recognised Christ’s superior rank, his greater experience, his proven track record. ‘Just give the order’, he said. Jesus was to be believed and obeyed. What faith!
Obedience often comes before understanding. That’s certainly true in regard to bringing up children. As a parent, you know what’s best for your child. At some time in the future your child will gain understanding and will come to see your point of view.
As a member of Christ’s kingdom, as part of his family, you recognise the power of his word. Because of his great love for you, you want to obey him out of love and respect for him.
Lord give me the depth of faith shown by this officer. Help me to believe your word, even when it seems odd to do so and I don’t really understand what is happening. Amen.
by Alicia Simpfendorfer, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)
Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.
