"Then Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying unto Him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof." Luke 7:6

As I opened my Bible this morning I commenced reading Luke 7 about the Centurion whose beloved servant was sick unto death. And that Roman being a man admired by his fellow Jews, sent elders of the Jews to Jesus, for he did not consider himself worthy to personally go to that Prophet. Neither when Jesus approached the house did he feel that his abode should be honored by the Messiah's entry. So again he sent servants to tell the Christ that this Centurion considered himself UNworthy of the Lord's Presence. But only, "SPEAK THE WORD and my servant shall be healed" (Matt. 8:8).

Seemingly, Jesus was amazed at the Roman's faith; and He said so to His followers – to the reproof of the Jews and their lack of faith (Matt. 8:10).

What impresses me so deeply was the Centurion's HUMILITY. He had been appointed by the reigning foreign power to have jurisdiction and to maintain law and order. Ordinarily we would have thought of him as likely proud or even haughty. But not this one (who loved the nation of the Jews, and who had built a synagogue for them). In his heart he said: I AM NOT WORTHY to go to Israel's Messiah; and later: I am not worthy to be honored by His Presence in my house. I but a Gentile command my soldiers and servants: surely, this Man of God is also able to COMMAND (and it shall be done accordingly).

THERE was a Gentile who had realized his lost estate (having come into understanding of the Jews' religion and faith in their Prophets); THERE was a man whose ego was not inflated: there was manifested a combination of humility and faith which impressed the Christ, and which He admired.

No, this isn't in the Bible, but look with me once more upon that humble Roman: his servant was fully healed at that very moment that the Christ acknowledged the message and turned about. Then the Centurion KNEW that indeed THERE was the authority of Very God! No more was there a shadow of doubt nor questioning. So, not long after Pentecost, he received the fullness of "Glad tidings of Good things" – entering into his reward for HUMILITY-in-faith.

Multitudes today – outside the fold – so sorely need a touch of that Roman's humility and faith. THEN does the command go forth unto healing and wholeness; THEN infills the joy-in-gratitude – awaiting the OVERSPILLING.

Letter 5/7/72