– “…I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” – Luke 7:7
The baritone of evangelist Reverend Dr. Fitzroy Tyrell boomed in the sanctuary as he greeted the fellowship following an introduction by Bishop Dr. M.R. Massiah CCH.
He immediately started expounding on the account of the Centurion slave found in Luke 7:1-10. The scripture brings into focus the meaning of doulos (Greek word meaning bond-servant or servanthood) in contrast to the word pias found in the Gospel of Matthew. Dr. Tyrrell came with a message to believers on the need for a deeper understanding of becoming a bondservant for Christ (as Paul declares in Romans). While God never sanctioned slavery, the Centurion account amplifies the intent of God when treating with one another.
The Centurion was highly esteemed in the community yet his heart and concern for his slave made him willing to humble himself before Jesus to secure healing for his servant. These are the values God expects from us. A snapshot of the Centurion’s heart captured three values:
- Compassion – The Centurion cared deeply for his servant as the scripture records the slave “was dear to him.” He sent men to find Jesus because he was concerned with the slave’s wellbeing and not himself. The pandemic has exposed the deep issues we need to address as we learn to care for others and turn the spotlight away from ourselves. “Christianity is not a selfish thing so stop turning the spotlight on yourself,” Dr. Tyrrell reminded us.
- Humility – The Centurion was a Roman soldier with immense power and trained to think highly of himself (e.g. a commissioned officer in our armed force) yet he declared himself unworthy for Jesus to visit his home. Jesus marvelled at this outsider’s understanding of the Kingdom. Where we struggle is with humility. Dr. Tyrrell was quick to share an experience he had with a Barbadian Pastor who said we should “Judge everything according to eternity” and we would enter into the knowledge that material things should not regulate how we serve God.
- Faith – The Centurion had great faith and he understood that at the sound of God’s Word, things can change (v 7). Sometimes faith is found in obscurity or unlikely people, and this is what Jesus is amplifying. We as Christians must learn to embrace a deeper state of faith, as we sometimes worship in security (of what we see). We are being called to embrace the spiritual realm and allow the depth of our faith to be tested, remembering that blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
As Dr. Tyrrell wrapped up his case for us to serve as true bondservants of Christ, the congregation was admonished to serve with humility, not trusting in men who may manipulate, but God who will elevate you according to His promises.
We must prepare to differentiate fact from truth, understanding the fact that we are in a pandemic does not change the truth, that God is able. Believers must understand that their jobs dictate their salary but faith in God dictates your income (Philippians 4:19).
The Centurion was an outsider, yet he believed in the authority of Jesus. Where is your faith today?
Bishop Dr. M.R. Massiah CCH closed the service by challenging the congregation to make a decision – to be compassionate, to walk in humility and activate our faith – as the Centurion did. This was a timely word from the throne room to usher in the communion service as we gathered around the table of God to break bread.
Note: Rev. Dr. Fitzroy Tyrrell is a Guyanese Evangelist living and ministering in Trinidad as the Senior Pastor of Pentecostal Lighthouse Tabernacle, San Juan, Trinidad. He is married to the lovely Dr. Jianna Tyrrell with the union producing two sons.
