Thought for the Day – November 12, 2009

Text: Matthew 8:5-10

5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”

7 Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”

8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.  NIV

This narrative is more about spiritual authority and faith than healing.  Those who have a military background understand the chain of command.  In the heat of battle, you must trust your superiors and the orders issued.  Orders are not suggestions.  They are not up for debate or mediation.  You simply obey or disobey.

Thus, the centurion believed Jesus had the spiritual authority to speak the word of healing.  Jesus was LORD . . . over everything, including the suffering of his servant.  The faith of the centurion out stripped any others Jesus had met.  Others believed.  Others had faith.  Others sought Jesus for healing.  Yet, the belief of the centurion stood above the rest of the nation.  Why?  His faith was driven by a clear understanding of authority.  Jesus had that authority.  Period.

How does my faith and your faith compare to the centurion?  What would we seek from Jesus that His spoken word can deliver?  Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me.  Blessed are those who believe who have not seen.”

Thought for the Day – What would you believe Jesus to speak a word to answer?