Like mother like centurion... (?)

We, as mom's, think that other than the everyday chores, raising kids, meals and wife related responsibilities, we are not important. We could never be so wrong!

I read Luke chapter 7 and couldn't help but see the similarities between the centurion and us.

Definition (Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org ) of centurion: a professional officer of the Roman army. In comparison to a modern military organization, centurions covered a whole range of ranks. Ordinary century commanders would be equivalent to a modern army lieutenants or captains. The senior centurions leading cohorts would be equivalent to lieutenant colonels. Centurions often suffered heavy casualties in battle, generally fighting alongside the legionaries they commanded. They usually led from the front, occupying a position at the front right of the century formation. They led and inspired their men by example. They also sought to display the skill and courage that got them to their rank in the first place. It is for these reasons that they often suffered a disproportionate number of casualties.

In Luke 7:2-8 "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. 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. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, 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. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick."

This centurion had power and the respect of those around him. These elders thought highly of him for his generosity even though he was not "one of them". He also had the respect of his servants for they also met Jesus on His way there but they delivered the message that the centurion did not consider himself to be worthy of Jesus being under his roof.

As highly regarded as he was, as respected as he was, he still recognized that Jesus was above him and that his dear servant could not be spared unless Jesus did something. This centurion had so much faith in Jesus that he asked Him to just speak a word and he knew his servant would be healed. Just like in the beginning, God spoke everything into existence.

How is this comparable to us as moms?

1.He also had someone in authority over him and was an authority over many

2.He also cared for those he was responsible

3.We are on the front line for our children having experienced life, in prayer, informing ourselves of an environment before leaving them in it.

4. We lead our children and inspire them to do right or evil, by our example.

5. We show them why we are who we are and that age alone makes us adults, but wisdom, discernment, humbleness and a hope in Christ is what makes you a respectable adult.

We need to recognized that we have a difficult task, one that we can't do on our own. We need to humble ourselves before God and offer our children to Him in prayer and our lives in sacrifice. Our relationship with God must be pure, sincere, honest and growing so He may heal them, preparing them for the tasks He has for each individual child we have.

Being a mom is a larger responsibility than we thought before we had our children, is it not? It is one that is life changing for both mother and child. We have the "power" to draw our children to Christ or away from Him. Oh how much I want my children to love and serve God with all their heart because of who God is. It seems too simple of a concept, to live our life in a way that pleases God, but it will ultimately lead others to Him, more importantly, our children.

Keep praying, leading, fighting the battle and caring for those you have authority over.