Two Views of Worthiness
- Pastor Michael Heil
- May 23, 2018
- 2 min read
“But the centurion said, 'Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.'” -Matthew 8:8
Two different views of worth are expressed in the narrative of the Roman centurion. In this verse the centurion boldly confesses to the Lord he is not worthy. In Luke 7 (which reveals the same story) the elders of the Jews, representing the centurion, tell Jesus he is worthy. As so often happens in life, I believe the reason for the different views comes because of the person stating the view. The elders of the Jews were steeped in the law and legalism. Legalism always looks at performance and works to determine our value before God. So when they saw a good, moral man, who obeyed God they felt God should perform for Him; he deserved God’s favor. Legalism boasts in our goodness before God. The centurion knew His own heart, and knew the holiness of God. So in the Lord's presence He confessed the truth he knew so well, “I am not worthy”. He appealed to the Lord's grace and compassion, not to His justice. Of course, our Lord responded to his humble plea of faith; immediately Jesus healed the servant. We too should always remember we do not receive what we deserve, or we would be cast off forever. We deserve death and separation from God for all eternity. God tells us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Like the centurion, let us come to the Lord in humility and contrition; approaching His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Let our faith look past the law of sin and death, unto our loving Lord who freely gives us all things, and He will give us mercy and grace as He did with the Roman Centurion.
Pastor Michael Heil
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the God of mercy and grace. You lavish grace upon me because You have chosen to do so because of who You are and not because of anything I have done. Thank You for allowing me to be able to come to You, to approach Your throne where I can find forgiveness and compassion. Thank You for making me worthy because of the price You paid. You are truly the awesome God. To You be all the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Linda A. Knowles
Free E-Magazine "EVERYDAY LIFE" filled with uplifting stories and inspiring interviews: Check out EVERYDAY LIFE at: https://www.threadofhope.org/everyday-life and read articles and interviews by some great writers such as Tish Hagee Tucker and Bishop Prince Obinna Abani and the latest fashion showcase by Salim Kataya, and don't forget to go sight seeing with Dr. Farmer "Sighting #1. The Lord created us The Lord created all things and there is nothing that He didn’t create (John 1:3), which includes us..."
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