At the time of Jesus, the Army of Rome was at the
height of its power. The centurion was leader over one hundred troops. He knew
the power his commands carried when he gave orders to his men.
Scripture does not tell us if this man had ever seen
Jesus in person. Certainly he knew of Jesus and knew there was power in the
words of Jesus because he simply asked Him to speak the command to heal.
In my mind’s eye I can picture Jesus walking along a
path. People are following Him. Many
others are waiting excitedly hoping for His healing touch.
The statement
from the centurion indicates that he understood Jesus to be much more than one
claiming to be a healer. Evidently the centurion understood Jesus as a man with
the authority to speak a command and the universe will obey.
When Jesus heard the statement from the centurion,
He must have stopped what He was doing. Scripture says He was astonished. “…and
(He) said to those following him, I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone
in Israel with such great faith.” Matthew 8:10 (NIV)
The faith of this ancient soldier is a beacon to me.
Whatever I ask of Jesus, He is capable of making it happen. The centurion knew
this even before the resurrection proved this to be fact.
Lord
help me to remember and emulate the unfaltering and sure faith of the Centurion.
© Christy Struben 2014
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