Gospels Matthew 8-10
These chapters in Matthew are a vignette of stories that follow the Sermon on the Mount from last week’s reading. All are important but three themes strike me in the contexts of praying for our nation and elections 5 November.
First is the episode is with the Roman Centurion in Matt 8: 5 - 13. Luke also records this episode from a different view, but we will arrive at that in a few months.
The Roman occupation of Judea and Palestine was harsh. Yet, the Roman Centurion reached out in faith and humility. As a Centurion, he commanded a Century of 100 legionnaires. The Centurions were often the face of the Roman occupation, dealing with riots, patrolling the cities, and harshly maintaining order. This story makes my old Army retired soldier heart “sing because he was caring for a servant and asking Jesus for life and healing of that servant. Jesus told his disciples in Matt 8: 10, “I have not seen such great faith, even in Israel.” It is certain that even at this point in his ministry, many of his own disciples did not have this level of faith. Our task, as His followers, is to believe and act. My prayer for our nation is that our leaders would be like the Roman Centurion, serving with compassion, and protecting liberty.
Second is a look into Jesus’ heart in Matt 9: 35 – 37. These brief verses reveal Jesus’ compassion for the people. Praying for our leaders, I pray for unity in compassion for the citizens of the United States. John Dickinson, signer of the Constitution, wrote in his will that his constant prayer was that the United States would always be influence by the Gospel.
Third is a theme throughout these three chapters. In 9: 37 – 38;
Mat 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Mat 9:38 “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
My prayer to this third point is that our modern-day Centurions, elected leaders, Judges, and citizens would be faith filled harvesters in the Kingdom of God, compassionately serving our nation… Not victims of whatever is coming.
Jay
Enjoying a Blue-Sky Colorado day, happy the snow melted before I had to get out my snow blower.