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. 

Gospel devotion - Just like Jesus - Luke 9:11b

Today’s Bible readings can be found at these links: Psalm 69:13-24 and Luke 9:10-17.

Luke 9:11b                Jesus welcomed them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

            It’s just typical of Jesus. He has had a busy morning debriefing the disciples about their winter ministry exploits in other villages. In order to help them to de-stress, He decides to take them on a quiet retreat to Bethsaida. But things don’t go according to plan because the country folk get to hear of His location, and end up coming in their thousands to hear Him preach or see a miracle.

            No doubt the disciples were peeved for they wanted some quality time to be with Jesus. Christ could also have refused to meet the expectations of the crowd because He had something more important to do. But this is Jesus, so typically He gets among the people, speaking to them about the Kingdom of God, and healing those who needed healing.

            In theological terms, it’s called Incarnation ministry. Jesus is in the midst of His people, preaching to them about God’s ways, and showing those ways to be true by mercifully healing the sick. It’s the image of the compassionate and gentle Shepherd that most of us see in our minds when we think about Him. It’s also the way in which we hope that He will welcome us, talk to us, and heal us of all our sicknesses, whether they be physical or emotional, spiritual or cultural, personal or filial.

            Today, I need that typical Jesus to walk beside me, to show me the Kingdom of God, and to heal my hurts and disappointments, my anxieties and fears, as well as my sickness and sadness. Only He can do that for me; only Jesus can bind up my wounds, release me from my fears, and restore me to health. Perhaps, you are feeling or experiencing something similar. My prayer for you would be that Christ can do the same.

Question:      What is currently troubling me? Am I willing to let Jesus reach me and heal me?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of the World and the Healer of broken souls. Welcome us into Your heart today and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Snowbird drawing called “Winter Woodpecker.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Woodpecker.