Soldiers are taught incredible faith. They are drilled over and over to put their trust in their fellow soldiers. This teaches them to work efficiently as a team and accomplish the mission. When they possess this incredible faith they can take the orders of a superior and execute it because they know their unit is working as one. We can have that same incredible faith in Jesus as we learn to trust him with our lives.
Matthew 8:5-10
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man 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 servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
Out of Love
The centurion didn’t consider himself worthy enough for Jesus to come to his house. He had a sick servant whom he loved and valued. When the centurion heard that Jesus was coming to town, he immediately sought him out on behalf of his servant. Jesus was ready to go to his home and heal the servant, but the centurion knew that if Jesus just spoke the word of healing his servant would be healed.
Join the 30 Day Thru Psalms Challenge
There is so much to learn from this soldier. He didn’t use his power or influence to make Jesus do what he needed. Instead, he submitted himself and requested that Jesus speak the command. This shows us how we are to approach God. We aren’t supposed to come with demands or even manipulation but humbly seek his help. The Centurion could’ve also demanded that his soldiers brought Jesus to his house, but he didn’t. Out his love for his servant, he sought Jesus out. We need humbly seek Jesus to minister to our needs.
Trust in Christ’s Power
The Centurion is known for his faith. He wasn’t a follower of Jesus, but he had heard of his miracles and knew that Jesus could work in his situation. He trusted his power and didn’t need anything else. When we go to God, we need to trust that he has heard our prayer and then go on with life. It does no good to worry or fret. Lay your request at his feet and then trust that Jesus will take care of it.