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Luke 7

“Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” Vs 50

Four stories in this chapter that are FULL of insights as I journey with Jesus.

The first is the faith of the Centurion. His most valued servant was sick and he had heard about Jesus. He had been good to the Jews of that area and they came to Jesus saying he “deserves” to have You heal his servant because of all the good he has done. Every time I read this story I get stopped at this verse and wrestle with the idea of “deserving” God’s blessings. Fortunately, before I get too distracted by the negative implications of that idea, I get the reminder that “if it’s important to God, it’s clear in His word,” the centurion gets it right when he says, “I don’t deserve to even have you enter my house. Just speak the word and my servant will be healed.” The balance for a “succeeding” Christian is that when others think you’re “deserving” of God’s goodness, remind them that you’re not! I’m reminded how “right” Daniel had it when he said, “We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy.” I saw the responsiveness of Jesus to this man’s faith.

The second story is the raising of the widow of Nain’s son. Here Jesus didn’t even wait for someone to express their faith in Him. He just saw a need and responded to it. A poor woman had lost everything and Jesus gave it back to her. I saw the caring heart of Jesus with a woman who was hurting so much that she didn’t even know she had access to the King of Kings.

And then there was the story of John the Baptist; still in prison and about to die. He sent some of his disciples to Jesus asking the question, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” This was the same man who had “prepared the way for the Lord,” had baptized the Son of God, and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Even the greatest, which is what Jesus called John, have their moments of doubt. Jesus’ response was, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard.” I saw the faithfulness of Jesus to His followers, even in their darkest moments, as He provided tangible evidence to remind John of what he knew all along but might have forgotten as this point in his life.

And lastly there was the sinful woman and the sanctimonious Pharisee. Through stories and questions Jesus reminded both of them that “her many sins have been forgiven- FOR SHE LOVED MUCH.” I saw a forgiving Savior who loves to offer His love and mercy, and forgiveness, and grace IF I want them.

He’s responsive, He’s caring, He’s faithful, and He’s forgiving. So, with that, as Jesus said to the woman, “Go in peace.”

Have a great day remembering the greatness and the goodness of Jesus,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift; that’s why we call it the present.”

PS Pastor Gua, young adult pastor at our College View Church, is in Campus Ministries every Tuesday from 1-3pm to provide you the option of a female pastor perspective. You can make an appointment by contacting Pastor Gua at gmontour@collegeviewchurch.org, or by text at (978) 333-1209, or just drop in and see if she is busy!