And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. Luke 7:6-10 (NRS)
This Roman centurion’s story shows us something about the man. First, he was a gracious man. He wanted his slave restored to health, rather than letting him die and getting another. Second, his faith was in Jesus’ authority over the universe not his touch. He knew a word was all that was needed. If Jesus would just speak, the forces of the universe would obey.
Perhaps, we are skeptical at such simplicity. Our circumstances are so different and, we think, so much more complicated. What is it that bothers us about trusting Jesus? Why do we not believe his words will change the reality of our universe? “Now faith is the substance of our hoping, the evidence of our undertaking not of our seeing” (Heb. 11:1). Where is the power of our hoping? Where is the evidence of our undertaking?
Perhaps, our normal speech is not spoken with faith and authority. A word spoken without faith and authority has no power to change our reality. All power in heaven and earth is still in the hands of Jesus. A word from him is all that is needed.
Dear Father, thank you for your words of mercy and grace. We are still not worthy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you will only speak the word, our lives and churches will be healed. Let it be so today. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for the power of his Word and walk in faith,