We have about seven weeks to go in our Proverbs 31 Men series, which is looking to stimulate men in the church to rise up and be active in their walk and faith beyond church attendance. I have chosen four attributes that qualify anyone in the Bible or today to be labeled a Proverbs 31 man:
- Using leadership power to benefit and not harm those who are weaker.
- Being concerned for social justice.
- Honoring women.
- Serving in leadership capacities as "elders at the gate," where wisdom and justice are dispensed.
The week, let's look at another outsider to the faith in Israel, this time someone who was part of the occupying force maintaining Roman rule in Galilee. We know him as the centurion whose servant Jesus healed.
WHO WAS THIS MAN?
First, let's read the brief account:
When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 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. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for 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, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 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.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well (Luke 7:1-10).
We know from John the Baptist's admonition to the soldiers in Luke 3:14, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages" that soldiers often used their position and power to extort money from the powerless. This centurion did the exact opposite, having built a synagogue for the locals, probably one where Jesus had already taught. He had used his power to empower others, which already qualifies him for the Proverbs 31 moniker.
The Jewish leaders testified to this man's love, which led him to be active in social justice despite the fact that his nation and military had often done nothing of the kind. The Jews actually interceded with Jesus on behalf of this man, which was remarkable in and of itself, but then the centurion did something that caused Jesus to commend him for his great faith.
GREAT FAITH
The centurion sent word for Jesus not to proceed to his home, for he was not worthy to receive him. Perhaps his home was not kosher and he did not want to defile Jesus. As a military man, he understood the issue of authority and knew that he, the centurion, did not have to be present for his orders to be obeyed. He could just send his word, and he had faith that Jesus could do the same. What's more, he was asking for healing not for himself or his family, but for his trusted servant, whom he must have loved greatly. In fact, this centurion seemed to have a compassionate, loving heart for many people, Jew and Gentile alike.
This centurion literally took Jesus' breathe away because he had faith—practical, living, common sense faith. The centurion reasoned in his mind and came to the conclusion that Jesus could heal from a distance and then acted out his belief by preventing Jesus from coming any farther than he had. Jesus shook His head in wonder and said something about him he said about no one else.
What have you done lately to build relationships with those who do not have your privilege or wealth? What practical steps have you taken to show your love for those among whom you live or work? When is the last time your faith took Jesus' breath away? What faith conclusions are you coming to and how are you walking them out? The centurion qualifies on all points that he was a Proverbs 31 man and Jesus gave him a two-thumbs up endorsement. That is what I want as well, which I think also comes in the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Have a blessed week, Proverbs 31 men and women!
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