Highly Valued

“There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant…He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, but I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority…When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’” Luke 7:1-10

I love this story with all of its literal and symbolic teachings. The centurion loved his servant just as his own family member. To the world’s standards this servant was of little or no value once infirmed. A servant’s employment and his master’s loyalty was only as good as his usefulness. Once a servant was infirmed or disabled his usefulness ceased and his employment withdrawn. This centurion was unique in his loyalty and compassionate in his relationships. Sound like anyone we know?

Christ does not assume fellowship with us based on our works. He does not throw us aside when our effectiveness is hindered. He knows we are all infirmed and disabled in one way or another but He still approaches the Healer on our behalf. He runs to God and explains how highly valued we are to Him, and through the authority extended to Him by God we are the recipients of His intercession. In addition to Christ being our centurion asking for healing on our behalf, the centurion himself demonstrates basic essentials in prayer.

He solicits the intercession of others as we do when we ask fellow Christians to pray for us.

He is firm in his faith that healing will occur.

He is humble in his approach in the asking of his request.

He is adamant in his belief in the authority Christ has to heal.

We should never discount the condition of others in their lives for all of God’s children and co-heirs of Christ are highly valued in the eyes of the Master.

Whether we are sick physically, emotionally or spiritually Jesus is coming towards the house for healing. Let’s run to meet Him half way!