Deuteronomy 4:21-49; Luke 7:1-10; Psalms 68:19-31; Proverbs 17:14-15
NT: “A centurion’s servant, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.” (Luke 7:2-10 CSB)
Biblical faith is often misunderstood. Biblical faith is not thinking positively. It is not refusing to acknowledge negative or bad things. Refusing to say you are sick when you actually are sick is not Biblical faith. “Naming it and claiming it” is not Biblical faith either. Biblical faith is not a soulish bravado that you stoke up. Biblical faith is centered around and founded on the Triune Godhead’s faithfulness. It is completely reliant on God’s word, and His willingness and ability to always honor His word. It is complete trust in God’s absolute power and authority. The centurion in this story was not a Jew. He was a gentile and a ranking representative of an oppressive and pagan empire. Yet this Roman centurion had a love for the Jewish people and a respect for the Jewish God – so much so, that the Jewish elders spoke well of him and vouched for his character. Apparently, the centurion had heard the accounts of Jesus’ power and authority – His power and authority over the powers of evil and His power and authority over sickness. The centurion understood power and authority really well, and he knew that Jesus had it. He placed faith in the power and authority that Jesus had demonstrated time and time again and trusted that all Jesus had to do was speak the command and his servant would be healed. It appears that Jesus was perfectly willing to go to the centurion’s house. He didn’t refuse to serve the centurion because of who the centurion was affiliated with – but the centurion respected Jesus’ culture and placed faith in Jesus’ authority, and didn’t require Jesus to make a physical presence. The level of the centurion’s faith was so high that it even astonished Jesus. What is our faith built on? Do we have to hype ourselves up before we have faith? Do we only have faith after 3 or 4 songs in a thumping worship set? Is our faith strong enough to acknowledge reality and not be discouraged? Is our faith steadfastly set on God’s faithfulness or is it dependent on our cultural crutches? Do we have the quality of faith that would amaze Jesus? We can, if our faith is properly placed.
Jamie Hicks 