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. (Luke 7:6-10)
In this account of one of Jesus’ healing miracles, Jesus commends the faith of a centurion who is a friend of the Jewish people, though not Jewish himself. The authority of the centurion over his soldiers and servants meant that when he spoke a command he was obeyed. The greater authority of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God means His Word is not only to be obeyed, as Jesus recounted in the parable of the houses, but also had power. Jesus recognized the man’s understanding of authority and power and healed the servant of the centurion. His faith in the Word of Christ was indeed great and his understanding and belief in Jesus’ authority, though he felt unworthy for Jesus to come to him, was commended.
Though our word does not have the power of Christ and we do not have the authority to work outside of that which Christ has given us, His Word in us does have power. We speak with authority when we speak His Word, rightly divided, and do that which He commands. He speaks with authority and we obey. He has redeemed those who have repented of their sins and put their faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and so He is Lord. Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son has created all things for His purposes and calls those who do not know Him to be reconciled with the Father that God may be glorified. The Spirit guides us into all Truth and speaks His Word with authority to point people to Christ. His church, the body of Christ, is to take the Word with His authority to reach the lost, teach the nations, and preach His Word to all who will hear.
God sends those of us who are His saints and know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our God has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of God so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of God might have life in His Name.
God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. God calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with God, forgiveness from God, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is God the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet