It has been over 9 months since this mobilization started. Today was the first time I have had sacrament meeting by myself. In the back of my mind, I worried just a bit about this. One of our members is experiencing visa problems, so he has not been able to make it back from his vacation. Two others were transferred to different camps, leaving me as the only LDS member (to my knowledge) on the camp. Previously, more than once, it looked like nobody would be there as I was setting up for a sacrament meeting. Then, at the last minute, someone would come through the chapel door.
Today, nobody came. A coalition soldier was in the chapel making tea and asked if I wanted some :) Then he started playing on the keyboard, so I asked him if he was going to play for my service. "What time is your service?" he asked. "1500," I said. I looked at my watch; it was a few minutes past 1500. He then gathered into the office with the Canadian Padre and the Chaplain Assistant while I finished setting up. I plugged my computer into the sound system and began the service by singing, "Press Forward Saints." As soon as I began singing, I did not feel alone. The warmth of the spirit testified to me that although my voice was the only one I heard, I was not alone. I conducted the district business (I am on the district council) and raised my hand in a vote of thanks, and again for a sustaining vote of two chaplains I knew who had just been called to the district council. It felt like a normal meeting. After the sacrament hymn, "There is a Green Hill Far Away," I blessed and passed the sacrament, and enjoyed the reverent quiet while doing so.
The message consisted of me standing at the podium, quietly reading over the talk that I was still preparing for Sunday night's Protestant gospel service. The text was Matthew 6:19-34. The theme of the message was: our uncertainty is God's opportunity. God is asking us to trust him completely. He who formed us is certainly able to sustain us. When we come to know Him more fully, we will have an increased capacity to trust him completely. Our moments of uncertainty and difficulty are opportunities for God to reveal to us who he really is, how willing and able he is to provide for us, and how much he truly cares for us. Moses, Gideon, and David are all examples of how reliance on God won the day. Think of the handcart pioneers who suffered brutally while crossing the frozen plains. One of these hearty pioneers noted that, "we came to know Him [God] in our extremities."
When we have come to the place where we know we have done all and can go no further, God is there to clear the way for us to pass, just as he did for Moses at the Red Sea, with the armies of Pharaoh bearing down upon his people, Israel. We might have our armies reduced to a handful of men, like Gideon, but if we stay true to our faith, we will recognize God's hand leading us to victory. Then we will know the victory is the Lord's completely, and not our own. David chose to come in the name of God, instead of wearing Saul's armor, when he confronted Goliath. His trust and faith bore fruit as he slew the giant that all Israel feared.
When God asks us to trust Him in difficult circumstances, it is not so much to test us, as it is to reveal Himself to us. These experiences cause our faith to grow and our testimony to be a firm foundation, built upon the rock of Christ.
Jesus is our ultimate example of trusting God. When the hour was dark as he hung on that cruel cross, his trust in his Father did not waiver. With his last breath he declared, "Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit" (Luke 23:46). May we trust God, and so follow the Spirit, especially in our dark hour. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." God will give us the courage to do so, I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas at Camp Alamo
Today we had our Christmas General Protestant service. To accommodate an increased number of people wanting to attend on Christmas, we held the service in the overflow tent next to the dining facility. It was heated, so we didn't have to worry about being cold (except for the fact that we turned the heater off because it was so warm right before the meeting!) We sang 6 carols interspersed with passages from Luke 2. After this we had our a group prayer where we prayed for specific prayer requests. Then I gave a brief message. It was along the lines of what is written below. I could feel the support of God's Spirit, helping me to remember the message without looking at the text I had printed out, and guiding and ordering my thoughts. Yes, I miss my family; I wish I could be with them. Yet, today, all I could think about was how much I have to be grateful for. We have it pretty good here, we are well fed, have hot showers, warm food, and comfortable quarters. At our Christmas dinner, the base support group commander, who is Bhuddist, offered a blessing on the food, then asked me to finish the blessing. I was touched that he remembered the spiritual aspect of this holiday. This, for me, was quite an act of solidarity, bringing together people of different faiths, to remember what is at the heart of the Christmas season. Please pray for the soldiers that are out doing missions all over Afghanistan. Thank you for your friendship and support; it truly makes a difference! Merry Christmas!
Message:
How many of us have felt overwhelmed at the responsibility of raising our first child? Not much can prepare a person to rear a child, yet God called and prepared Mary and Joseph to raise Jesus. Joseph was compassionate. Mary was obedient. This was indeed a holy family, prepared to welcome in the Savior of the world.
Joseph had every right to divorce Mary. She was with child, before their upcoming marriage. He could have had her publicly humiliated, even stoned. Instead, he made up his mind to divorce her privately, because he was a “just man” (v. 19). He did not know what had happened, but he could not marry someone who could not keep the simple vows associated with betrothal. This, of course was before he had knowledge of the divinity of the child in Mary’s womb. Did she attempt to tell her future husband? Was there not much of an opportunity to do so? It is likely that Joseph was a patient man; it seems he did not react emotionally or violently.
Did Joseph feel betrayed? What disappointment did he feel at having learned that Mary was with child and the baby was not his? What about all his hopes and aspirations for life with his new bride? They were at this point all dashed to pieces. According to the law, and he must obey the law, he could not go through with this marriage. The law was broken, and there were consequences that must come. But what about his feelings for Mary, his beloved bride to be? What an emotional time for Joseph; surely he was torn inside as to the outcome of these events.
Joseph’s situation was difficult, but Mary would be the object of scorn and derision when her pregnancy was made known to the community and beyond. She was the one to bear this heavy burden. Once Mary’s good name was lost in the community it could not be regained. This trial was magnified by the communal society in which they lived. Families stayed together; they did not just have the luxury of moving to some distant relatives to get a fresh start. Why had she been asked to pass through this trial? Who would believe her that she was visited by an angel? Who would believe her that the babe now in her womb would be the promised Messiah, who would rule Israel from the throne of David? How did Mary cope with the doubts that must have arisen in her heart? Did the angel really appear to her and call her to this most holy service?
The same angel that visited Mary mercifully visited Joseph to calm his fears and anxieties. What a relief this must have been! He still had to act in faith, to take Mary as his wife when it appeared to all around them that she had defaulted on her vow. Joseph acted with compassion, then faith.
Mary’s response to the angel’s message was this: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). This echoed Jesus’ response in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” Would that we had this submissive attitude! To align our wills with the word of God! Jesus’ will was so aligned to his Father’s that John records: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1, KJV).
This was a holy family indeed, chosen and set apart to nurture the Son of God. This Christmas season, we are acutely aware of how much family is a part of this holiday. It is a blessing to be apart from our families to feel this realization vividly, that we appreciate our family the entire year, and not just at Christmas. I pray that each of us will lead our families in truth and righteousness, in Christ, that God may use our families to accomplish his great and marvelous purposes—just as he did with that young family over 2000 years ago. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Message:
How many of us have felt overwhelmed at the responsibility of raising our first child? Not much can prepare a person to rear a child, yet God called and prepared Mary and Joseph to raise Jesus. Joseph was compassionate. Mary was obedient. This was indeed a holy family, prepared to welcome in the Savior of the world.
Joseph had every right to divorce Mary. She was with child, before their upcoming marriage. He could have had her publicly humiliated, even stoned. Instead, he made up his mind to divorce her privately, because he was a “just man” (v. 19). He did not know what had happened, but he could not marry someone who could not keep the simple vows associated with betrothal. This, of course was before he had knowledge of the divinity of the child in Mary’s womb. Did she attempt to tell her future husband? Was there not much of an opportunity to do so? It is likely that Joseph was a patient man; it seems he did not react emotionally or violently.
Did Joseph feel betrayed? What disappointment did he feel at having learned that Mary was with child and the baby was not his? What about all his hopes and aspirations for life with his new bride? They were at this point all dashed to pieces. According to the law, and he must obey the law, he could not go through with this marriage. The law was broken, and there were consequences that must come. But what about his feelings for Mary, his beloved bride to be? What an emotional time for Joseph; surely he was torn inside as to the outcome of these events.
Joseph’s situation was difficult, but Mary would be the object of scorn and derision when her pregnancy was made known to the community and beyond. She was the one to bear this heavy burden. Once Mary’s good name was lost in the community it could not be regained. This trial was magnified by the communal society in which they lived. Families stayed together; they did not just have the luxury of moving to some distant relatives to get a fresh start. Why had she been asked to pass through this trial? Who would believe her that she was visited by an angel? Who would believe her that the babe now in her womb would be the promised Messiah, who would rule Israel from the throne of David? How did Mary cope with the doubts that must have arisen in her heart? Did the angel really appear to her and call her to this most holy service?
The same angel that visited Mary mercifully visited Joseph to calm his fears and anxieties. What a relief this must have been! He still had to act in faith, to take Mary as his wife when it appeared to all around them that she had defaulted on her vow. Joseph acted with compassion, then faith.
Mary’s response to the angel’s message was this: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). This echoed Jesus’ response in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” Would that we had this submissive attitude! To align our wills with the word of God! Jesus’ will was so aligned to his Father’s that John records: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1, KJV).
This was a holy family indeed, chosen and set apart to nurture the Son of God. This Christmas season, we are acutely aware of how much family is a part of this holiday. It is a blessing to be apart from our families to feel this realization vividly, that we appreciate our family the entire year, and not just at Christmas. I pray that each of us will lead our families in truth and righteousness, in Christ, that God may use our families to accomplish his great and marvelous purposes—just as he did with that young family over 2000 years ago. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
This week
This has not been the best week. We have already had 2 memorial services and will likely have another coming up, to honor those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks of last weekend. Remembrance Day (English Commonwealth's [Great Britain, Canada, Australia] equivalent of Veteran's Day) will take on added significance in light of its close proximity to these recent events. As a chaplain I have been asked to give prayers and remarks in these services. The Australain Artillery unit (they mentor the Afgahn National Army Artillery School) has adopted me as their chaplain. They have had 3 memorial services since I have been here, and I pray that there will be no more. This is my first deployment, so experiencing the emotions that go along with these events has been a new experience for me. The Aussies are a very experienced unit, and have been good mentors for me. Right after we got the bad news last week, the Australian Sergeant Major advised me to go ahead with the weekly watercolor class I was to teach that night. I followed his advice and it was good to do something that got my mind off the day's events and brought a little peace (the soothing music was very helpful). Three soldiers came and painted, so I was glad we went ahead with it.
This evening we ate with the Afghans. We had gushte gusfan (lamb) that had just been slaughtered today. It was very tender, and we ate it with some shredded cabbage, mini-limes, and non (bread). It was interesting to see inside the Afghan military dining facility. Some of the cooking pots are so large, you could literally take a bath in them! The civilian contractor who mentors their dining facility operations said that they serve about 13,000 meals a day!
Afghanistan does not have daylight savings time, so it has been getting dark here around 5:30pm for a while. The weather here has been beautiful of late--cool, clear skies. I am well-fed and get to work out at the gym regularly; I have no complaints. I just miss my family!
This evening we ate with the Afghans. We had gushte gusfan (lamb) that had just been slaughtered today. It was very tender, and we ate it with some shredded cabbage, mini-limes, and non (bread). It was interesting to see inside the Afghan military dining facility. Some of the cooking pots are so large, you could literally take a bath in them! The civilian contractor who mentors their dining facility operations said that they serve about 13,000 meals a day!
Afghanistan does not have daylight savings time, so it has been getting dark here around 5:30pm for a while. The weather here has been beautiful of late--cool, clear skies. I am well-fed and get to work out at the gym regularly; I have no complaints. I just miss my family!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
This week in sports...
Last weekend, I saw something that disturbed me. Two opposing coaches from NFL football teams were ready to go to blows after a football game. Players and other coaches had to restrain them. It started when one coach greeted the losing coach, who interpreted his greeting the wrong way, and chased him down on the way to the locker room. Neither coach was fined, but it seemed a poor display of sportsmanship.
Contrast this with what I witnessed yesterday, while watching the BYU vs Idoaho State football game. BYU's Kyle Van Noy, a defensive player, knocked down his opponent after the play had been stopped. It was a late hit, and he was penalized. The hit also injured the player, Idaho State's All-American punter. Punters are usually quite a bit smaller than the other players on the team, so it made the late hit that much more reprehensible. At half time, a reporter asked the coach of the injured player a question about his team's play. The coach responded that he didn't expect his talented punter to be knocked out of the game on a cheap hit, and he didn't expect that it would happen here at Brigham Young University, a church owned and operated school. He did not hide his disappointment and disdain for what had taken place, and quickly left the reporter after making his comment. What a bad situation, I thought to myself. Idaho State was already getting blown out, and now hard feelings over this late hit could linger with the players an coaches from Idaho State.
When the final whistle signaled the end of the game, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall walked purposefully to the middle of the field. The broadcast could not pick up his comments, but one could only guess that he was offering some words of apology. Then, Idaho State's coach, Mike Kramer, put his arm around the back of Mendenhall's head and pulled him in close, speaking in his ear. When their heads separated, they seemed to have a professional, cordial demeanor. As soon as their exchange ended, Kyle Van Noy, was ready and waiting, as he had been defensively the whole game. Only this time, he was not there to deliver a hit, but an apology. His facial expression and posture seemed to communicate a sincere desire to let Coach Kramer know that he was sorry for what had happened. Then, Kramer pulled him close the same way he did with Mendenhall, and spoke in his ear. Their exchange ended and both seemed to be satisfied. Good feelings seemed to prevail on both sides, as players from opposing sides were seen smiling and conversing with each other. What a fortunate end to this game; it could have been otherwise. Instead of bitterness and resentment, there seemed to be a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Know that Idaho State's coach had every right to be upset; his talented punter suffered a concussion from the late hit and will likely miss next week's game. Yet, this did not seem to stand in the way of Mike Kramer extending forgiveness to those who sincerely sought it. Usually after I spend 3+ hours watching a football game, (one that I have looked forward to the whole week), I am not left with much in return, besides some lost sleep (the game started at 1130pm my time) and the fleeting enjoyment of watching my favorite team. This time it was different. I was left with a positive feeling after seeing those two coaches and that player come together in a spirit of unity that transcended the spirited competition on the playing field. This, above all of the exciting plays from the game itself, is what I will remember. Below is the link to the article.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700190592/BYU-football-Kyle-Van-Noy-apologizes-for-late-hit-on-punter.html
Contrast this with what I witnessed yesterday, while watching the BYU vs Idoaho State football game. BYU's Kyle Van Noy, a defensive player, knocked down his opponent after the play had been stopped. It was a late hit, and he was penalized. The hit also injured the player, Idaho State's All-American punter. Punters are usually quite a bit smaller than the other players on the team, so it made the late hit that much more reprehensible. At half time, a reporter asked the coach of the injured player a question about his team's play. The coach responded that he didn't expect his talented punter to be knocked out of the game on a cheap hit, and he didn't expect that it would happen here at Brigham Young University, a church owned and operated school. He did not hide his disappointment and disdain for what had taken place, and quickly left the reporter after making his comment. What a bad situation, I thought to myself. Idaho State was already getting blown out, and now hard feelings over this late hit could linger with the players an coaches from Idaho State.
When the final whistle signaled the end of the game, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall walked purposefully to the middle of the field. The broadcast could not pick up his comments, but one could only guess that he was offering some words of apology. Then, Idaho State's coach, Mike Kramer, put his arm around the back of Mendenhall's head and pulled him in close, speaking in his ear. When their heads separated, they seemed to have a professional, cordial demeanor. As soon as their exchange ended, Kyle Van Noy, was ready and waiting, as he had been defensively the whole game. Only this time, he was not there to deliver a hit, but an apology. His facial expression and posture seemed to communicate a sincere desire to let Coach Kramer know that he was sorry for what had happened. Then, Kramer pulled him close the same way he did with Mendenhall, and spoke in his ear. Their exchange ended and both seemed to be satisfied. Good feelings seemed to prevail on both sides, as players from opposing sides were seen smiling and conversing with each other. What a fortunate end to this game; it could have been otherwise. Instead of bitterness and resentment, there seemed to be a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Know that Idaho State's coach had every right to be upset; his talented punter suffered a concussion from the late hit and will likely miss next week's game. Yet, this did not seem to stand in the way of Mike Kramer extending forgiveness to those who sincerely sought it. Usually after I spend 3+ hours watching a football game, (one that I have looked forward to the whole week), I am not left with much in return, besides some lost sleep (the game started at 1130pm my time) and the fleeting enjoyment of watching my favorite team. This time it was different. I was left with a positive feeling after seeing those two coaches and that player come together in a spirit of unity that transcended the spirited competition on the playing field. This, above all of the exciting plays from the game itself, is what I will remember. Below is the link to the article.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700190592/BYU-football-Kyle-Van-Noy-apologizes-for-late-hit-on-punter.html
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Terry Fox Run
A few weeks ago, I participated in the Terry Fox Run. It is an annual 5k/10k run to benefit cancer. Terry Fox was a remarkable athlete who was diagnosed with cancer in his early twenties. The cancer took his right leg. To raise money for cancer, he decided to run across Canada. He said, "Somewhere the hurting must stop....and I was determined to take myself to the limit for this cause." Before the return of the cancer ended his efforts, he had run 3,339 miles, a marathon a day, for 143 days on a prosthetic leg, enduring much pain. His valiant effort received international attention. His legacy continues to inspire others to run to raise funds and awareness to fight cancer.
I didn't feel that motivated to participate in this run, especially being in not the best cardiovascular shape. But then I remembered my neice, Kate, and I realized I needed to run this race! Kate went through a year and a half of cancer treatments, beginning at the age of 2. She has persevered, and the latest scans of the tumor showed no growth! We have been praying for her during our worship services here at Camp Alamo, and know that our prayers have been answered! Kate has shown marvelous perseverance and determination in the face of this difficult trial. We love you, Kate; thanks for inspiring me to run this race!
The Centurion's Servant
Recently I read the following passage in Luke, and a few things struck me.
The Centurion’s Servant in Luke 7:1-10 KJV
1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the
people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick,
and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the
Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying,
That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 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:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but
say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers,
and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he
cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him
about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I
have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant
whole that had been sick.
This marvelous account of the healing of the centurion’s servant is
less used than the one in Matthew 8. Luke gives us details that enrich
the narrative and deepen the meaning and application for the reader.
First, it is noteworthy that in Luke’s account, the Centurion does not
personally speak to Jesus, but has the “elders of the Jews “ importune
Jesus to heal his servant. When the elders speak to Jesus, they vouch
for the character of the centurion. Apparently, the Centurion is a
model citizen, who even “built [the Jews] a synagogue” (v. 5). Jesus
agrees to come to the man’s house, but when he gets close, he is met
by friends of the centurion. These friends reveal more about the
humble character of the centurion. He did not consider himself worthy
enough to approach the master himself, let alone have Jesus come into
his home. He gave his friends specific instructions in what to tell
Jesus, that Jesus need only speak the word, and his servant would be
healed. He then provided the basis for this expressed faith in the
word of Christ. He, the centurion was a man of authority, in a manner
like Jesus. He could say the word and those under his direction would
carry it out. So Jesus spoke the word and the servant was healed.
He had such faith in Jesus’ authority that he did not feel it was
necessary for Jesus to personally come to his home. Jesus lauded this
man’s faith. This faith calls to mind the words Jesus spoke to Thomas:
“blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John
20:29). In response to Thomas’ doubting, that he would not believe
unless he saw, Jesus offered him physical proof, the wound in his side
and the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The centurion asked
for no physical proof of Jesus’ ability to heal; he simply had faith,
“nothing wavering” (James 1:6). Keep in mind that the centurion is a
gentile, an outsider, yet he demonstrates greater faith than any in
Israel (Luke 7:9).
In this account in Luke, the centurion’s humility is magnified by his
sending the Jews to deliver his heartfelt request, and his friends to
meet Jesus before he made it to his home. The centurion recognized
that Jesus had authority. He also recognized that Jesus’ authority was
different than his, the centurion’s, earthly authority. It would have
been easy to imagine the centurion becoming filled with pride and
demanding that Jesus come to his home. After all, he was a man of
authority; soldiers and servants answered to him and did his bidding.
Why could he not command this Jesus, who many saw as merely a
traveling preacher without earthly authority, to come and heal his
servant? No, the centurion recognized that his own earthly authority
was nothing compared to the divine authority of Jesus, the Son of God.
Whether or not the centurion realized who Jesus really was is not
clear. We do sense from this account a great reverence for Jesus. The
centurion’s friends relayed his words to Jesus: “I am not worthy that
thou shouldest enter under my roof. Wherefore neither thought I myself
worthy to come unto thee” (Luke 7:6c-7a). The centurion knew that
Jesus was holy, and that he was not worthy to be in his presence.
Do we recognize our own “nothingness before God” (Mosiah 4:11)? King
Benjamin counsels us: “even so I would that ye should remember, and
always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own
nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy
creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility,
calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the
faith of that which is to come” (Mosiah 4:11). The centurion models
this kind of humility that we should have before God. In this spirit,
we are more prepared to carry out his will above our own. In this
spirit, we are more prepared to believe what he tells us.
In this account in Luke, we see the act of intercession, an act that
points us toward the intercessory atonement of Jesus Christ. The
centurion interceded for his servant; he sought help on behalf of one
he had authority over. Yet he did not consider himself worthy to
approach the Lord, so the elders of the Jews and his friends
interceded for him. We are not worthy to enter the presence of God, so
Christ intercedes on our behalf. He approaches the throne of God to
vouch for our character and request healing on our behalf. It is not
our works he will vouch for, it is our divine nature as children of
God, and our repentant hearts, purchased by his blood, that he will
present before the perfect, just throne of God.
Notice how even though the centurion did not feel worthy to come to
Jesus, neither to approach him or receive him, Jesus came to him. It
was not likely that Christ came because the centurion built a
synagogue for the Jews. That was the reasoning that the elders gave,
seeking to convince Jesus based on the centurion’s actions. Jesus knew
his heart; he knew the great faith in Christ the centurion possessed.
This may have been the main reason Christ came. Truly, faith precedes
the miracle. Christ loves us not for our actions in and of themselves, but for who, through his atonement, we become in the process of following him.
Our character and identity are truly shaped by how we follow his
commandments. The more we follow him, the more we are conformed to his
image. Our very natures can be changed as we present our bodies a
living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1).
The Centurion’s Servant in Luke 7:1-10 KJV
1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the
people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick,
and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the
Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying,
That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 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:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but
say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers,
and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he
cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him
about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I
have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant
whole that had been sick.
This marvelous account of the healing of the centurion’s servant is
less used than the one in Matthew 8. Luke gives us details that enrich
the narrative and deepen the meaning and application for the reader.
First, it is noteworthy that in Luke’s account, the Centurion does not
personally speak to Jesus, but has the “elders of the Jews “ importune
Jesus to heal his servant. When the elders speak to Jesus, they vouch
for the character of the centurion. Apparently, the Centurion is a
model citizen, who even “built [the Jews] a synagogue” (v. 5). Jesus
agrees to come to the man’s house, but when he gets close, he is met
by friends of the centurion. These friends reveal more about the
humble character of the centurion. He did not consider himself worthy
enough to approach the master himself, let alone have Jesus come into
his home. He gave his friends specific instructions in what to tell
Jesus, that Jesus need only speak the word, and his servant would be
healed. He then provided the basis for this expressed faith in the
word of Christ. He, the centurion was a man of authority, in a manner
like Jesus. He could say the word and those under his direction would
carry it out. So Jesus spoke the word and the servant was healed.
He had such faith in Jesus’ authority that he did not feel it was
necessary for Jesus to personally come to his home. Jesus lauded this
man’s faith. This faith calls to mind the words Jesus spoke to Thomas:
“blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John
20:29). In response to Thomas’ doubting, that he would not believe
unless he saw, Jesus offered him physical proof, the wound in his side
and the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The centurion asked
for no physical proof of Jesus’ ability to heal; he simply had faith,
“nothing wavering” (James 1:6). Keep in mind that the centurion is a
gentile, an outsider, yet he demonstrates greater faith than any in
Israel (Luke 7:9).
In this account in Luke, the centurion’s humility is magnified by his
sending the Jews to deliver his heartfelt request, and his friends to
meet Jesus before he made it to his home. The centurion recognized
that Jesus had authority. He also recognized that Jesus’ authority was
different than his, the centurion’s, earthly authority. It would have
been easy to imagine the centurion becoming filled with pride and
demanding that Jesus come to his home. After all, he was a man of
authority; soldiers and servants answered to him and did his bidding.
Why could he not command this Jesus, who many saw as merely a
traveling preacher without earthly authority, to come and heal his
servant? No, the centurion recognized that his own earthly authority
was nothing compared to the divine authority of Jesus, the Son of God.
Whether or not the centurion realized who Jesus really was is not
clear. We do sense from this account a great reverence for Jesus. The
centurion’s friends relayed his words to Jesus: “I am not worthy that
thou shouldest enter under my roof. Wherefore neither thought I myself
worthy to come unto thee” (Luke 7:6c-7a). The centurion knew that
Jesus was holy, and that he was not worthy to be in his presence.
Do we recognize our own “nothingness before God” (Mosiah 4:11)? King
Benjamin counsels us: “even so I would that ye should remember, and
always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own
nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy
creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility,
calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the
faith of that which is to come” (Mosiah 4:11). The centurion models
this kind of humility that we should have before God. In this spirit,
we are more prepared to carry out his will above our own. In this
spirit, we are more prepared to believe what he tells us.
In this account in Luke, we see the act of intercession, an act that
points us toward the intercessory atonement of Jesus Christ. The
centurion interceded for his servant; he sought help on behalf of one
he had authority over. Yet he did not consider himself worthy to
approach the Lord, so the elders of the Jews and his friends
interceded for him. We are not worthy to enter the presence of God, so
Christ intercedes on our behalf. He approaches the throne of God to
vouch for our character and request healing on our behalf. It is not
our works he will vouch for, it is our divine nature as children of
God, and our repentant hearts, purchased by his blood, that he will
present before the perfect, just throne of God.
Notice how even though the centurion did not feel worthy to come to
Jesus, neither to approach him or receive him, Jesus came to him. It
was not likely that Christ came because the centurion built a
synagogue for the Jews. That was the reasoning that the elders gave,
seeking to convince Jesus based on the centurion’s actions. Jesus knew
his heart; he knew the great faith in Christ the centurion possessed.
This may have been the main reason Christ came. Truly, faith precedes
the miracle. Christ loves us not for our actions in and of themselves, but for who, through his atonement, we become in the process of following him.
Our character and identity are truly shaped by how we follow his
commandments. The more we follow him, the more we are conformed to his
image. Our very natures can be changed as we present our bodies a
living sacrifice to him (Romans 12:1).
Sunday, October 9, 2011
I love my wife
Some media people from the army were here to film holiday greetings from the soldiers. They plan to air them on hometown TV stations. I wanted to give a holiday greeting to my wife, Emily. So they put a microphone on me and put me in front of the camera. This should be no problem, I thought; I don't mind speaking in public. It went smoothly, until I got to the part where I was to wish my wife a happy holiday. It took me three tries to get through it, because I started to cry each time. I did get through it, and I know I love my wife! (Not that I doubted that I did, but I didn't realize how close to the surface it was and is.) I love you, Emily!
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