I read an article in Newsweek recently, talking about how young people today do consider themselves self-centered and assume that it is just fine to be so. Indeed we seem to be in a culture which has spent some years simultaneously exalting the individual and urging people to enter into service to others. The whole affair seems kind of schizophrenic, but there we have it. That's what we have. In some way we seem to be intent on exalting ourselves as good people in every way. At the same time we do honor those who are dedicated to doing good for others and who put their own self-interest on hold in order to serve the common good.
We see something akin to this in Luke 7 when we read about the centurion. The Jewish leaders say he is worthy. He is a good man. He enters into community service. He has helped us, now he is in need, so he should receive help himself. I hope people would say this about me. In fact, I doubt there are many well-adjusted people who wouldn't be pleased to be known as those who are worthy of kindness when they are in need. And doubtless we can think of many people whom we think worthy of help and support. Jesus makes no move to contradict the opinion given him by the Jewish leaders. "Sure, sounds like someone who needs help. Let's go!" What is the centurion's reaction? He knows who is coming. Despite the fact that he really does want help and is unable to deal with the situation in a pleasing way on his own, he requests that Jesus not come into his house. He is not worthy to have Jesus come and attend to his servant.
Do we see ourselves the way the centurion does? When we see God's provision do we stand back and wonder, knowing that we are not worthy of divine providence but that God has chosen of his own accord to bless us? If we do, then we begin to see God's great love for us even more. We confess that we are not worthy, that we are sinners who are in need of a savior and who have never done anything to deserve such salvation. Then God's wonders are even more exalted in our understanding.
May the Lord make us see him clearly in all his kindness and mercy.
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