JESUS HEALS, A SOLDIER BELIEVES

Written by Andy Calhoun, retired CEO & President YMCA of Greater Charlotte, North Carolina

Unpredictable, meaningful, and of lasting, broad impact: that’s how I think of some of my most memorable encounters over my many YMCA years.

Especially regarding volunteers and staff who I “randomly” met, later developed a friendship, and then they ultimately influenced me and the Y, absolutely changing our trajectory!

Maybe you have had similar encounters?

This also describes an encounter in the Gospels between a Roman army commander and Jesus: the seeming random request by the soldier for Jesus to heal his sick servant, the family afraid in a faraway town, the heartache of a caring leader.

How did the centurion hear about Jesus and come to believe that He could bring healing and save this dear servant?

What made Jesus stop to hear the pleadings of the men sent to ask for His help?

Why would He stop, listen and help?!

The centurion was a Gentile, a good enough guy. He donated to the Capernaum synagogue but was unknown to Christ, certainly not in the “hug” or friend group of the Savior.

Could it be that Jesus was struck by the clear and courageous faith of this Imperial soldier?

He marveled and observed that He had not found such great faith anywhere, even in Israel.

Could it be that the Lord sees the world as a big, diverse tent and is giving us an important message: serve everyone with His pure, sacrificial love.

While this divine interaction occurred a couple of millennia ago, it reminds me of George Williams’ powerful desire to form the YMCA: to bring peace and healing to those that heard the good news of Jesus.

Are we truly living out through the day the real breadth and depth of love for all that Jesus modeled for us?

Are we to be Christ’s humble but certain representatives in our marketplace? I believe so!

Do our eyes remain open for the opportunity of a big splash, big deal, as well as small humble ways to serve?

This has been our YMCA tradition for over 175 years and will surely be our legacy for all our individual and collective time to follow.

Would you pray with me?

God, where ever I lead, help me to have more faith like the centurion, to be present and care for those I lead, and open my eyes to ways I can serve and have sacrificial love “for all” like Jesus!