7th December – Luke 7

07

Luke 7

Dave Frodsham

Dave Frodsham, is the lead elder of Jubilee Church Wirral. He is married to Nicki, with three children and a dog! He is passionate about the church and loves sport particularly rugby.
The question of an individual being worthy of God’s attention is one that is much debated – what does God respond to? What is he looking for from us?
The writer to the Hebrews says “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb 11:6)
We know that being a Christian means having faith but how is that faith worked out. If we are not Christians does God answer those desperate prayers?
 Here in chapter 7 we find the healing of the centurion’ servant. Jesus comments how he has not seen such faith anywhere in Israel. The centurion had sent to Jesus to ask him to come and heal his servant. The Jews felt he was worthy of Jesus’ time but as Jesus is approaching he sends his friends to tell Jesus, that he doesn’t think that he is worthy. Jesus marvelled at these words and his statement that he believed Jesus could just say the word.
 We too need to have a sober assessment of our own worth; hopefully if we do other people will say that we are worthy.
The next account shows that Jesus can act when there is no faith – he responds out of his love, his compassion for the situation. It says in v11 “Soon afterwards” he goes to another town called Nain – not far away from Capernaum and his disciples and many others are following when they meet a funeral procession. The only son of a widow has died.  She would have no support now that her only son had died.
Jesus tells the woman not to weep and then touches the bier everyone stands still and he says “Young man I say to you arise.”  The guy sits up and starts speaking and fear seizes them as they see this is real power – they glorified God but call Jesus “a great prophet” they had no other higher title.
 John disciples then come and ask “Are you the one?” Jesus sends them back saying “Tell him what you have seen and heard.”  We must continue to tell those who enquire what we have seen and heard.
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