Readings for today: Matthew 8:5-13, 11:1-30, Luke 7
What is faith? Hebrews says it is “the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 CSB) Romans suggests it is an unwavering trust in God’s promise and cites Abraham who “did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to do.” (Romans 4:20-21 CSB) We see both of these dynamics at work in Jesus’ interaction with the centurion. The story is a scandalous one on a lot of levels. Why would Jesus interact with a centurion at all? Much less go to his home? Offer to heal his servant? Affirm his faith? It’s crazy! This man is an oppressor. An agent of the Roman Empire. Empowered to enforce Caesar’s will, using violence if necessary. Furthermore, he’s a pagan. A worshipper of false gods. He’s a Gentile. Not a drop of Jewish blood in him. But still he believes. He trusts Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as a man who holds authority. He knows all Jesus has to do is say the word and his servant will be healed.
The Bible says Jesus was amazed. I love that even Jesus can be surprised! But perhaps the centurion’s faith shouldn’t be surprising. After all, as he himself says, he is a man under authority with soldiers under his command. He knows what it’s like to give and receive orders. He knows what it’s like to say the word and expect immediate obedience. He knows what it’s like to operate within a chain of command. Whatever the details of his belief system - and we aren’t given much to go on honestly - he sees in Jesus a divine authority. Someone to whom even the demons are subject and he cries out to him for help.
Do you believe? Do you believe Jesus holds all authority in heaven and on earth? Do you believe Jesus reigns even now from the throne room of heaven? Do you believe Jesus is at work in the world, bringing about His perfect will? Do you believe all things are subject to Him, including diseases and demons and even death itself? If so, are you living in obedience? As a man or woman under God’s authority? Subject to His will? Do you trust God? Do you trust Him to be faithful to His promises? Do you believe He is more than able to do all we could ever ask for or imagine? Do you live for God’s glory? Seeking to honor Him above all?
Readings for tomorrow: Matthew 12:22-50, Mark 3:22-35, Luke 8:19-21, 11:14-54