“After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, ‘He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.’ Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying, ‘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. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: I say to one, “Go,” and he goes; to another, “Come,” and he comes; to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.” Luke 7:1-10
Jesus commends the Gentile centurion for his distinct faith, one not seen even among the people of Israel. Approached first by elders in the synagogue, then by the centurion’s friends, He understood the humility and confidence behind his mediated request. What distinguished this Roman general’s faith? His deep conception of worthiness, which drove his bold asking and actions. ‘My servant is worthy to be healed. My messengers are worthy of being heard. I’m not worthy of Your presence or favor, but I know You, Jesus, are worthy of my faith and absolute trust.’
Remarkable faith is developed through a sober and honest comprehension of who we are and who God is. A high view of God establishes right order of faith and flourishing. An inflated perception of self sets all other understanding askew. To accept the standing and authority entrusted to us by the King is vital in decisions to seek His higher authority. We can approach His throne of grace with confidence, we are to beseech His help and healing, but our worthiness for this communion and trust is solely because He is the worthy One. (Romans 12:3; Hebrews 4:15-16)
How high is my view of God? Do I interchange who is in charge throughout my days, casting rote praise and wisps of needy prayer to Him, yet taking reins over decisions and actions myself? With honest introspection, who do I really believe is worthy of trust, attention, being sought out, thanked, or noticed? Do I give lip service to God but behave as though I am in charge, worthy of favor and success and being taken seriously?
How will I explore God’s worth in the scriptures, and practice exalting Him? Do I see my worth hidden in His? A lofty view of God corrects, humbles, and trains faith..
“Two wonders here that I confess,
My worth and my unworthiness.
My value fixed – my ransom paid,
At the cross.” ~Keith and Kristin Getty (1974)
Lord, to Your worthiness be all the glory.
As the rain and snow 