“… But the Roman Officer interjected…”
(Matthew 8:8)
Matthew recorded this exchange between the Roman Officer and Jesus, and how Jesus was astounded by his faith. Its one of the pillars the outreach to non-jews are built on. Its a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus on earth.
But I am getting stuck right in the beginning.
Let me explain:
The man needs Jesus, he recognizes who and what Jesus is, and what it represents, he realizes that this is the only way, and he reaches out. Jesus, on the other hand, takes him seriously and is ready to perform a miracle for him. To go with him, without question or requirement (Jesus didn’t tell him to bring his son to such and such a place, He was ready to step onto the path with him)
But then this man interjected:
“…Lord, who am I to have you come into my house?…”
Isn’t this where I often end up?
Lord, who am I that I can ask for this?
Lord, who am I that I can ask for healing?
Lord, who am I that I can ask for forgiveness?
Lord, who am I that I can ask for myself?
Lord, who am I that I can ask you to take over my house?
Who am I that you will share your glorious plans with me?
If you only knew what I have done, if you only knew what I was only thinking this morning, if you only knew how much anger I have left in my heart.
Luckily, this is not where the story stops for the Roman, and not for me either. Because the answer is: Yes. Yes I know, and it doesn’t matter.
We are God’s creation, I am His son, and He is my Father. He knows and still finds me acceptable. He knew the woman at the well, and he knew what Matthew did in service against the Jews, his people. He knows, and still he wanted them and still wants me. He knew what this Roman stood for, and eventually the murderer on the cross next to Him. He knows.
He is not the minister or pastor or dominee that we clean the house for before the visit. He just wants to be there. He just wants to be in. In our mess, under the broken car, washing dishes next to you… But He will never barge in. He will stand and wait at the door.
Taste and see that the Lord is good…
