“And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So, when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal His servant.” ¬ Luke 7:2-3
REFERENCE:
Yesterday, we looked at the sufferer, the centurion’s servant. Today, we will consider the centurion himself – the supplicant who urgently appealed to Jesus to come and heal a slave that he regarded as dear to him. It was a strange gesture in a culture where enslaved people were no better than property, but this man shines forth like gold in seeking the good of his slave.
Although a military commander of about a hundred soldiers, this supplicant was unique. Soldiers are often perceived to be brash, mean, and stoic, but this man was of a unique breed; he was an officer and a gentleman. His sense of empathy, kindness for the weak, respect, nationalism, philanthropy, and faith set him apart as a worthy-to-emulate species of a man.
The centurion’s servant was dear to him. He decided, as the master, to appreciate all he did and value him as a person, not just a servant. The man realized that as big and important as he was, if no servant cleaned his house, washed his clothes, mowed his garden, or cooked his meals, he would not be effective in his job. So, he treated him considerately, fairly, and kindly; he did everything to secure his healing. He involved the Jewish leaders and his friends.
We often let our accolades, accomplishments, and high positions get into our heads so that we consider it beneath us to regard those under us. Many continually make this mistake, and they eventually pay for it. Naaman was a leprous military general, too, but his healing came because he listened to a slave girl in his house. Who knows what God can use the people you consider ‘nothing’ to accomplish in your life? They may be the key you need to go up.
If you have people under you, be a model of good, kind, and compassionate leadership to them. What would Jesus do if He were you? He visited His disciples, prayed with them and for their families, shared meals with them, and hung out with them. He spent time teaching them and showing them all He knew. Be like this supplicant—be a leader of good character and kindness.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Proverbs 27:23-27, Colossians 4:1, and Ephesians 6:9
TO DO:
Do something for your subordinates, house assistants, or staff they are not expecting. You can put airtime on their phones, take them out to eat, buy them a little gift, write them an appreciation note, etc. The Lord will reward you as you do so, in Jesus’ name.
