No matter where anyone goes, they are being watched. It could be a sports event where people will share their opinions on what a particular athlete should or shouldn’t have done during the competition. It could be at a work meeting where people are mentally reflecting on someone’s composure, dress, or even their suggestions as ideas are shared for a specific project. It might even be at a grocery store where a mama may be scrutinized for her control of or lack thereof regarding her young children. No matter where we go or what we do, we should be mindful that we are always under the critical eyes of others.
Christians are also subject to the ever-present ever-probing observations from others, but there are two other spectators in the life of every Christian in whom must be recognized as having vast importance when it comes to the manifestations of our faith. Luke 7:1-10 reveals these three spectators in a meeting between a Roman centurion and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Three Spectators in a Christian’s Life
1) Others – The first spectator is anyone other than ourselves. Our testimonies are carefully watched by other individuals all the time. These people can be in or out of the church community. They can be the folks who live next door or the ones you sit next to in the pew on Sunday. Their observations of us either manifest Jesus or the world. What others see in us can be a deterrent to the cause of Christ or an inspiration for others to follow Him. Our testimony is extremely powerful and very influential to those around us when it comes to sharing Jesus with others.
One such individual is found in Luke 7. In this narrative, Jesus is approached by the servant of a certain centurion who lived in Capernaum. Of behalf of his master, the servant is asking for Jesus’ help in healing another servant of the centurion. The residents of Capernaum told Jesus that this centurion was a man who was worthy of Jesus’ attention and action.
Luke 7:4-5 records the elder Jews intervention on behalf of the centurion. “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” Although a Gentile, the centurion was loved by the Jews for his actions. The evidence in these verses indicate that the centurion may have adopted their religion and as a result, he built Capernaum’s house of worship.
2) Ourselves – The second spectator is oneself. What do we see when we look at a mirror? If the centurion had a mirror, he would have seen a very humble man. Despite the fact that he was a highly trained Roman warrior, who was most likely decorated for valor in battle and respected by many, he was not a proud man. He didn’t believe that was he was worthy of Jesus coming to his home. He said in Luke 7:6-7, “…Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” He held such high regard for Jesus and yet, despite his position of authority, he felt unworthy to approach the Lord on his own behalf.
It’s important to realize that we are ALL unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. God’s precious Son is the only One worthy to be honored and praised. Isaiah reminds us that all of our own righteousnesses are as filthy rags before the Lord. Everything we have is undeserved, unearned, and unmerited. It is only through the grace of God that we have the riches of heaven available to us through Jesus. Proverbs 27:2 instructs us, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth…” James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
3) God – The third spectator is the Lord. When Jesus heard the things spoken about the centurion, the Bible tell us that He marveled at the soldier’s faith. Here was a Gentile who lived in Israel, a religious nation, but a nation that refused to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah. The centurion demonstrated a faith that Jesus stated he has not seen in all of the land (v9). Jesus commended the faith of this centurion.
What does God see when He looks at you or me? Is He well-pleased? Is He honored and glorified through our lives, or is the Lord grieved at how our faith is manifested to others? Our responsibility as Christians is to serve God to the best of our ability, according to His Word. As servants of God, we should strive to please Him in everything we do. Galatians 1:10 states, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” God should see His Son reflected in our lives at all times.
Every moment of our lives is under continual surveillance by these three spectators. How you show yourself to each one speaks volumes. What story does your life tell?
I saw Jesus in you, I saw Jesus in you,
I could hear His voice in the words you said
I saw Jesus in you.
In your eyes I saw His care, I could see His love was there,
You were faithful, and I saw Jesus in you.
(from “I Saw Jesus In You” by Ron Hamilton)
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:22-24.
**********
Does your life exalt Jesus or you?
(Special thanks to David Wade for sharing his thoughts on “Three Spectators” and allowing me to expound on them.)
Thank you the nice devotional. We enjoyed it very much.