Yesterday, I accidentally locked my keys in my trunk. It was one of those moments when you’re like, “No! That didn’t just happen!” I hoped that I left my apartment door open but alas, it was locked up tight.
The thing is, I never put my keys inside the trunk as I’m getting things out. However, for some unknown reason, that’s exactly what I did. Thankfully, my son works close by and was able to come to the rescue of his absent-minded mother.
(Don’t worry…I’ve already made arrangements for someone in my building to have an extra set of keys.)
Interestingly, earlier in the day, I had listened to a teaching about the Roman centurion who had come to Jesus asking for healing for his servant (Matthew 8:6-10). It sparked something in me that I think ties perfectly to my “lockout” situation. Let’s take a look.
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.””
Did you catch that? Jesus said “I’ll come to you.” Jesus did not “lock him out” of his request, but rather went above and beyond. Jesus heard someone was in need.
Jesus was ready and willing to heal the servant. Done and done. What’s interesting here is that the Jewish people (or anyone for that matter) were not exactly besties with the Roman soldiers. Also, the soldiers were not followers of Jesus, but rather were polytheistic, that is, believers in multiple gods.
So this exchange is a little puzzling to the “naked eye.” Yet there’s more:
“The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
Wow! I would imagine it would take a lot for something to be a marvel for Jesus. But that’s exactly what it says – He marveled at the faith of the centurion…and minutes later, his servant was healed.
“Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.””
This Roman centurion, a high-ranking soldier, and let’s not forget… part of the force that put Jesus to death, humbled himself to approach and request something of Jesus. Wow!
Jesus had compassion. Titles and position did not matter to Him. He marveled. Now, Jesus could have said: “Hey, you’re the guys who are mistreating people. You’re mean and I know you’re going to kill me soon. I’m not doing anything for you.”
Nope and nope. Quite the contrary. Jesus did was Jesus always did: He had compassion and love for the man and answered his request, which was likely a shocker to all who were standing around them.
Let’s face it, we all do dumb things. We all make mistakes. The Bible says we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Yet, when we humble ourselves, when we acknowledge who Jesus is, we can be confident that He hears us when we pray and out of His love and mercy, He will answer us.
No one is locked out of God’s favor, mercy, forgiveness, and love. It’s available to everyone who chooses to believe (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4).
So if you’re feeling “locked out of heaven” today, don’t worry. Just like my son unlocked my apartment door for me, Jesus, the Son of God can and will unlock the door for you too.