Luke 7:6-7 “So Jesus went with them. When Jesus came near the house, the Roman commander sent friends to Him. He told them to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself. I am not good enough to have you come into my house. That is why I did not even think I was fit to come to you. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” ~NIRV

When someone close to us dies, everything becomes hard. The pain in the loss increases the emotions of missing their voice, their touch and presence. The struggle to continue everyday routines like taking care of our children’s needs, our spouse’s needs, work and family, is real. There is no limit to the pain we feel when we lose someone. But believers in Jesus Christ have faith. This knowledge of God’s sacrifice of His Son on the cross is the foundation in knowing God’s love for us and that He is in control.

​It is true that some of us don’t want to hear ‘God is in control’ when we are going through a loss of a loved one. Maybe because of who is saying it to us or maybe it’s because we feel we hear that too much. But the fact is, God 'IS' in control. Jesus Christ’s resurrection defeated death’s hold on us. That bondage was broken by Jesus and with it a guaranteed life in heaven took its place. This plan includes our loved ones as well.

In the text above, the commander did not feel worthy. He sent others because he did not feel he was even worthy enough to be in Jesus’ presence. He additionally did not think his home was worthy of Jesus coming to it, so he sent word to Jesus. He wanted Jesus to know that all he wanted was for Him to say the words of healing and the commander’s servant would be healed. His faith was so strong that he knew all Jesus had to do was speak health and life in the air and his servant would live. Jesus was amazed and acknowledged the commander’s faith by saying in verse 9, “I tell you, even in Israel I have not found anyone whose faith is so strong.” In the strength of this man’s faith, Jesus healed his servant.

The pain in the loss of loved ones should be medicated with our faith that our Lord and Savior has prepared a place for us and them in heaven. That pain should not take away our belief in the promise of heaven. Just as someone goes out of town, we must know that we will one day see them again. As God promised all of us though the mission of His Son, a place prepared for us in heaven.

​May God continue to bless, protect and provide for you as you journey in Jesus’ name.
 
Amen

John 13:14-15 “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.” ~CSB

Jesus is showing us a great example of servanthood. From those of us who have had everything since birth, to all who have come from nothing, this example in message must be walked by all believers. We as children of God are the representation of the kingdom. Do not let the world’s ways cloud any direction that comes from God. In other words, it does not matter if God has put us in a leadership position in the ministry, we are servants and still need to move when and where He tells us.

Let us not confuse our will to please God with our selfish desire to please ourselves. On our journey in Christ, our path will lead to places we may be hesitant to go into. But if God has called us to it, there is His reason why we are there.

This story deals with one of those selfish distractions, feet washing. During this time this is the one of the lowest types of work. It is usually a task left to be done by the poor workers or slaves. When Peter saw Jesus was about to wash his feet, he tried to stop his Teacher. In Peter’s mind, he will not let Christ do this work. Second, Peter thought he should be the one to wash Jesus’ feet instead. But Jesus corrected his disciple. Telling him that He was teaching him a valuable lesson in servanthood.  Jesus wanted Peter to let go of his worldly perception and spiritually understand being a servant.

​If Jesus could perform a duty to another for the betterment of that person, then every Christian should be prepared to get down in the dirt and muddy water in order to serve God and His children. As Jesus is willing to not only wash our feet, but also to be beaten, hung and die for our sins, then we should be present in all places we are taken by God. To serve where we stand.
 
May God bless and keep you embraced in His love and protection as we journey in Jesus’ name.
 
Amen