Luke 7:7 (KJV)
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
I see in this passage a contrast between the elders of the Jews and the centurion that provides a description of faith.
The centurion asked the Jews to send to Jesus a representative, requesting He come and heal his servant. The Jews seemed willing to grant this request and, approaching Jesus, explained why the centurion was worthy of such a favor.
- He has loved our nation
- He has built us a synagogue
As Christ neared the centurion’s home, he sent friends.[2] The friends, I believe, had been instructed to discount the worthiness of his deeds and express the unworthiness of his person. Nevertheless, he said he knew Jesus could say the word, and the servant would be healed.
Faith has nothing to do with our worthiness, or lack thereof. It has everything to do with the authority of Christ.
Too often, we base our requests before the Lord on either our worthiness or unworthiness. Yet, faith is all about the Lord.
I do not mean to suggest it is acceptable to live unworthy of the vocation of the Christian. Ours, is to put off the old man and put on the new.
The basis of prayer, the asking, and the receiving, is the person and authority of Christ. Call upon Him not because you are worthy but because He is Christ. Don’t hesitate to call upon Him because of your unworthiness. He is Christ.
[1] This Daily Visit with God was written while I was in the hospital reception room as my wife underwent surgery to remove cancer. I am asking God to heal her not based on the worthiness of either of us, but the authority and care of Jesus Christ.
[2] Note that these were not the Jews but, this time, his personal friends.
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Luke 7:7[1] The Basis of Great Faith
