May 19, 2024 Devo

One of my favorite old cartoons is a frame of Dennis the Menace and his friend Joey walking away from Mrs. Wilson’s house, each one with a cookie in his hand. Dennis is looking at Joey and says, “No Joey, Mrs. Wilson doesn’t give us cookies because we’re good. She gives us cookies because SHE’S good!” Well said, young man.
That’s how God is with us, though we often don’t think of it that way. Many of us think we have to barter with God with good behavior to get Him to respond to our requests. If we go to church more, or if we read the Bible more, or if we do more good deeds, God rewards us with a “Yes.” That’s putting faith in US, not God.
Take another look at our passage today. This Roman officer comes to Jesus asking Him to heal His servant. This man is not a religious leader. He’s not a disciple of Jesus. He’s not even a Jew. We know nothing about him except that for whatever reason he believed Jesus could heal. So he came to Jesus, not demanding as a Roman officer, but humbly as simply a person in need.
Jesus could have sent him away. Jesus could have said, “After all you Romans have done to my people, I’m not going to do ANYTHING for you!” A lot of Jews standing by would have loved that. But Jesus didn’t. Because that kind of ugly response is not in the character of God. Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” He did so, not because the Roman officer was good, but because Jesus was good.
So come boldly to God today. Come with whatever need you have for healing, strength, wisdom, or help. No need to beg, plead, barter, or make excuses about why you haven’t been in church lately. God knows what you need before you even ask. And He will deal with you out of a merciful and loving heart. Not because you are good, but because He is. That’s God’s Word for you today.