September 16, 2026 - Luke 7-8

The healing of the centurion’s servant just amazes me.  First, this is a Roman centurion.  I underline that word because it is important.  The Jewish leaders had good reason to receive their messiah but rejected him.  This pagan Roman guy had no skin in the game, so to speak, but relates to Jesus with uncommon grace and belief.  Jesus himself explained, “The centurion sent friends, saying to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.  Therefore I did not presume to come to you.  But say the word, and let my servant be healed’” (7:6-7).  We should marvel at this man’s faith for even Jesus himself “marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith’” (7:9).  And what about the woman who was a sinner and who washed Jesus’ feet with her own hair and anointed them with expensive ointment?  Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven” and “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (7:48,50).  And the woman with the issue of blood and Jarius! (chapter 8)  Amazing stories!  Oh, for a faith that looks always to Jesus!

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray,

take all my guilt away;

O let me from this day

be wholly Thine.

While life’s dark maze I tread,

and griefs around me spread,

be Thou my Guide;

bid darkness turn to day,

wipe sorrow’s tears away,

nor let me ever stray

from Thee aside.   -- Ray Palmer (1830)