Today’s scripture: Matthew 8:5-13 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
“Capernaum of Galilee, hah! Who ever heard of such a place?” the Roman Centurion said to himself. It was an old joke between him and his servant. The brazier he warmed himself by had lost its flame an hour ago and now was only smoldering coals.
His thoughts sent him back to when they first arrived to this small quiet city on the northwest bank of the Sea of Galilee. Nothing exciting ever happened in Capernaum. “Of all the places in the Roman Empire to be stationed, we got Capernaum,” he shook his head. The two cosmopolitan men didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry.
The centurion’s job was to see that taxes were collected and the proper tribute was sent on to Rome. It was rough at first; people would spit behind him when he passed them out on the street. Even though he didn’t know the native tongue, he could tell they were mocking him and making obscene jokes about Rome. Many times he was tempted, as he was allowed to do, to take out his sword and smite those who protested, or those who simply got on his nerves. But he never did. His dear servant, his pais, reminded him what it would be like if it were his country that was occupied, if it were his people who had to endure all the wars and threat of violence that came with being in the middle of unstable kingdoms.
It really wasn’t such a bad assignment, he decided. The climate was temperate. And at least it when all the taxes were collected, the natives still had enough. All in all, it was a productive area with fresh fish daily and plenty of wheat and fruit growing in the valley between the mountains and the sea. Yes, they resented him, but at least he did not have to watch anyone starve in order to feed Rome. And he had love in his life — for now.
“How is he?” The centurion asked the nursemaid who came through the courtyard.
“Your servant is no better,” she answered. But he could tell by the look on her face that she had little hope. “Maybe the Jesus man will help him?” She said it in the cocky way words slip out of someone’s mouth when they are overly tired.
“Jesus.” He said the name aloud.
“They said he’s coming to Capernaum tomorrow.” The nursemaid added. “Healer, King of the Jews, Son of God, they call him. I don’t know if he heals gentiles, though, let alone. . .”
“Let alone, what?” The centurion stood over her with his fists clenched.
“Well, Romans, of course.” She stammered and then ran away.
Healer, King of the Jews, Son of God, he thought to himself. A man who roams about with crowds gathering and following him everywhere he goes to do his bidding. Maybe there is something to this man. There must be something to him, why else all of the pomp? Why else would they follow him so?
In the room of his servant, the centurion bent down to the bed where his beloved lay. He was not conscious, but his legs and arms had stopped thrashing. “I am going to ask Jesus to heal you,” he whispered. “Healer, King of the Jews, Son of God, whoever this man Jesus is, surely a man of such title and power has the mercy to match it. Love has taught me that.”
Thought for the day: Do I have faith in the power of Jesus’ love?
Please see The Children are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-Sex Relationships by Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley (pages 46 –51) for explanation of the relationship between the centurion and his servant. You can read an excerpt or buy the book.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.