WEEK 31, Day 2, Tuesday, 30 July 2019

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=nehemiah+11%2C+12%2C+13%3B+proverbs+30%3B+Luke+7

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 30 July 19:

Luke 7:2-10 — Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, 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. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

The centurion in today’s readings offers a great example of how to integrate faith with profession and how faithful Christian professionals can have a powerful impact on their coworkers and their community to God’s glory:

Luke 7:2, 3 – “Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.” Christian professionals stand out for their compassion for others, serve in an intercessory position to the Lord on their employees’ behalf, and take personal action to care for them. The centurion, a powerful person, went out of his way to take care of a servant because the servant was “highly valued by him.” How do you show others how valuable they are to you, and how to minister to their real needs to God’s glory?

Luke 7:4, 5 — “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” The centurion worked diligently in his profession and in service to the church, and his commitment to both were well known and respected by all. The centurion didn’t compartmentalize his faith. For a Christian, there is no secular job. All work is done with God and for God –

– Colossians 3:17, 22-24 — And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him…. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

– Daniel 6:3 — Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

– Titus 2:7, 8 — Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

– Proverbs 22:29 — Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

– Ephesians 6:7-8 — Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Luke 7:7, 8 – “But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” The centurion, a person of great authority and power, recognized, honored and trusted Jesus’ superior authority, publicly humbling himself before Jesus. When Jesus gave us the Great Commission, He reminded us that we are called to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples under His authority and through His power. Do you share the Gospel when others say you can’t?

– Acts 4:18-21 — So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

– John 19:10, 11 — So Pilate said to him… “Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”

Luke 7:9 – “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’” Few would have thought that a Roman, gentile, soldier would receive such a commendation from Jesus, ahead of the Jewish religious leaders. Because the centurion was willing to live out his faith publicly, he demonstrated that the unifying power of the Gospel transcends all social divides. Notice, though the centurion worked as a commander for the Roman army, Jesus didn’t ask him to leave his profession. The centurion was a powerful witness right where he was and was used in a powerful way by God. What would happen in our nation if more Christians lived their faith publicly in their professions and demonstrated the power of the Gospel transform and to overcome all that divides people.

– Daniel 2:47-49 — The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 30 July 19: Have the faith to serve as an ambassador for Christ where you work. Glorify God where He has placed you, and proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.