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January 25 Daily Devotional

A Threefold Judgment

Frans Bakker

That he was worthy for whom he should do this...for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.... I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.—Luke 7:4, 6, 9

Bible Reading

Luke 7:1–10

Devotional

Luke 7 contains three thoughts regarding the Roman centurion. The reader learns what people say of the centurion, what he says of himself, and finally, what Christ says of him.

“Oh,” someone says, “I don’t care what people say about me.” The tongues of people can be sharp, mean, and derogatory. Ultimately, we are not dependent upon what people say of us. It is true that the most important matter is, and remains, what God says about us. In the midst of evil tongues all around us, it will be our comfort to be able to say: “Lord, Thou knowest all things.”

That, however, does not mean that we can be indifferent about what people say of us. This indifference can result in pride or even a covering up of evil in our lives, thereby giving us liberty to continue on a wrong path of conduct. It is important what people say about us.

When the Lord starts to work in our hearts it becomes evident to others. We must be very clear here that people often do not clearly notice this fruit in their own lives. The more God works in our hearts the more we are aware of our sinfulness and can often question fruit in our lives. This was the case with this Roman centurion. The people saw the fruit of God’s work in his life and said that the centurion was worthy of God’s grace.

It would not hurt us to ask ourselves what impression we give to other people. If the fruits of God’s dealings in our life are to be noticed they must first be present. If they do not exist, they will not show. Only a proper root will yield fruit.

Certainly we see that the gospel is not according to man; we are not dependent on the opinions people have about us. Nevertheless, people’s opinions of us are something we cannot avoid. Consider the best way to approach this with your own family. What do they think of you? Are they able to observe the fruit of God’s work in your life? We, of course, may not seek praise or prominence for ourselves, for such desires will sooner or later lead to nothing of value.

The people testify that the centurion is worthy. This is a beautiful testimony demonstrated to the people of his day. In like manner, God’s people make an impression upon their surroundings. What impression do you make on those around you?

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.

 

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