Short Devotion: Issuing Orders

Matthew 8:8 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. (NIV)

I’m currently reading a series of biographical books on Great American Generals. I’ve finished two books on Generals Patton and Grant and am now reading a book about General Eisenhower. All three of them were men of their time and called to give major leadership decisions that principally affected the outcome of the battles and wars they were facing. All three of them knew how important training and discipline were to keep their armies fighting for victory. Each of them knew the critical value of issuing clear and precise orders for their military strategies to succeed.

It seems to me that the centurion who approaches Jesus for help is also a like-minded soldier. He knows his place and understands what he precisely requires. He wants his faithful servant to be healed by Jesus. He knows that Christ has this power at His disposal, so he makes the request personally and fully believes that all Jesus has to do is to speak the word of command and his servant will be cured. It’s an incredible act of faith and even Christ is surprised by the centurion.

We are told in this Gospel that Jesus declared He had never encountered such faith, not even among His own people. The soldier submits to Christ’s authority and awaits His command. He is ready to carry out whatever orders Jesus gives; he is ready to believe all that Christ has to say.

For such faith, the ailing servant who is at home, is instantly healed when Jesus pronounces it. The centurion believes everything that Christ has spoken, so that when he returns to his house, he finds his faithful and beloved servant completely cured. It’s a remarkable event and it reminds us of Christ’s power and compassion.

Wherever we are today and whatever we are facing, let’s approach Jesus with the same confidence about His power and compassion. Let’s take time to ask Him for help and seek His blessing. Let us be soldiers and servants of Christ who faithfully follow Him.

Point to ponder: What help do I require from Jesus today? Am I willing to approach Him faithfully and humbly with my request?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our Commander-in-Chief and King of this world. Help us to serve You faithfully and humbly seek Your guidance. Enable us to follow Your orders and to spread Your Gospel with faith, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is a retired Scottish pastor living in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Church devotions - Great Faith

Matthew 8:10                         When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

            When I read Gospel stories like the one about Jesus and the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), it makes me wonder if the days of ‘great faith’, are well and truly over. A lot of folks that I know, including myself, have faith, but I wouldn’t call it ‘great.’ Some of us have a simple faith – a down-to-earth pragmatic belief system that gets us through each day and encourages us to help our neighbors. Some of us have an historic faith, which is deeply rooted in our traditions and denominational backgrounds. Others have an emergency type of faith which is used to help us overcome setbacks, illnesses, and troubles. But ‘great faith,’ such as Christ saw in the centurion, - that is something which is quite rare indeed.

            The more I think about it, the more I believe that it’s meant to be rare. It’s like finding a diamond in a coal mine or a precious pearl in an oyster. It’s something that when we come across it, it’s meant to inspire us, as well as create a feeling of awe. It connects directly to the mysterious love of God and allows us the knowledge of knowing that we are not alone in the universe. It’s a rare jewel to bring us joy; it’s a priceless gift to give us hope.

            Perhaps you know or have known someone of ‘great faith.’ Celebrate that fact and think about how that person has influenced you or affected your faith. Praise God for such a blessing and keep looking – encountering people of great faith may be a rare experience, but once found, they offer a real glimpse of God’s everlasting love.

Question to ponder

Who has shaped and influenced my faith in Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of faith and for the people who inspire us to become better Christians. Open our eyes, hearts, and minds, so we may see those who truly have a great faith in You. Allow us opportunities to share our own faith with others today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The church’s website can be found at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Epiphany drawings called “Gifts of the Magi.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Gifts.