Sunday, January 7
You deserve it!
Scripture: Genesis 13-14, Psalm 4, Luke 7
Luke 7:4–7 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.
Observation
Jewish elders came to Jesus to earnestly plead that He would heal a Roman centurion’s servant. The centurion had been kind to the Jews, loved their nation and built a synagogue. The elders included all this in their plea to Jesus and added, “He is worthy to have you do this for him.” He deserves it.
But the centurion sent friends with a different message: “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” Instead of saying, “I deserve it,” he said, “I don’t deserve it.” Then he told Jesus, “Just say the word, and let my servant be healed.” He went on to explain that he was a man with authority and knew how authority worked. He was used to giving commands and having them obeyed. He knew Jesus had authority to heal, so he didn’t need to come to the centurion’s house—just say the word. Give the command and it will happen.
The Jewish elders understandably made their request all about the worthiness of the centurion. But the centurion admitted his unworthiness and made it all about Jesus.
Jesus marveled at his faith. “Not even in Israel have I found such faith!”
Application
This changes our prayers. I don’t ask for things because I deserve them. I ask because He is Lord, He is worthy and He can do it! Make your prayers about Jesus, not yourself. Pray with “just say the word” faith—trusting Jesus.
This changes the way we live. I want to make everything about me; instead, let’s make it about Jesus. I’m concerned about getting what I deserve (I’m worthy); instead, be concerned about Jesus getting what He deserves: He is worthy.
One of my favorite gospel worship songs is “You deserve it” by JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise. “My hallelujah belongs to You…all of the glory belongs to You. You deserve it, You deserve it, You deserve it!” It drives home the point that He is worthy. He deserves the honor and praise. He deserves our faith, our trust.
It’s about Jesus. Not me. He deserves it!
Prayer: Lord, I love You. You are worthy of my praise, adoration, devotion, obedience and faith. You deserve it! Help me to live my life today all about Jesus. You deserve it!