Think of this for a moment: We are all foreigners in the kingdom of God. No one is native to the place where God reigns; we are all invited and, by grace, we are made citizens.
We do well to keep this in mind as we encounter every person along our way. Each of them is no more "the other" to God than we are.
This inclusive God invites you again today to stand in the Presence, to dwell in God's land.
And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.”
Luke 7:6-8
Isn’t it amazing how hard we can be on ourselves? So many of us constantly battle thoughts of inadequacy and unworthiness. Even this powerful centurion thinks he is unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence. He obviously believes in Jesus. He knows he needs Jesus’ healing powers to save his slave. Yet he does not presume to come before Jesus because he thinks he is not worthy.
Oftentimes our shame, guilt, and thoughts of unworthiness keep us from Jesus. Maybe we think we do not belong because we grew up in a “different” kind of home or have lived an unworthy life. How is it possible that these things keep us from coming before the one person who loves us no matter what?
The truth is you cannot be a foreigner to God. God knows where you come from, your sins, faults, and fears. You may think you are an outsider, but God created you and knows all about you. Do not let the differences, judgments, and divides the world creates keep you from Jesus’ healing power and love.
Brenda Thompson
Jesus, speak the words and let me be healed from my sins and fears. May I feel my worth as I sit in your presence and feel your love. Amen.
Travel through this day
Knowing there is no confining
The love of God,
And no borders to cross
Between you and God's presence.
Pray that your life might also be
So open
That God's love in you knows
No barriers,
Providing free passage for others.