Finding Great Faith
Today’s Verse:
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. ~Matthew 8:10
How great is your faith in the Lord? Can you recall a situation in your life where you had to exercise great faith in God? This morning, we see a man of authority who did just that. What this man did was the exception and not the rule. Let us see, this morning, the exercise of great faith.
We see the appeal.
“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.” A Roman centurion in Capernaum humbly comes to Jesus to ask for His intervention for a servant that he had who was very sick. The Bible describes the affliction that this servant had as being “grievously tormented.” This centurion is a Gentile and is most likely a pagan in his lifestyle. This centurion needs help beyond what human and medical means can provide. This man comes to Jesus in prayer. His prayer is in submission to the Lord’s authority. He calls Jesus as “Lord.” This man’s prayer is with simplicity. He asks for help. This man’s prayer is steadfast. He is determined that he will not give up until Jesus helps his servant.
We see the availability.
“And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.” Without any ado, Jesus tells him that He would come and heal the servant. I’m thankful that we have a God Who answers prayer! I’m thankful that we have a God Who is never too busy for us! I’m thankful that when I pray, I am never interrupting my Lord. Let this be a reminder that God is always available for us.
We see the admission.
However, this centurion is convicted of his unworthiness of Jesus coming to his home. He says, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof.” Many of us pray with an entitlement mindset that we are worthy of God to answer our prayers. This man feels unworthy because of his office: he is a man of authority who tells other people what to do. He feels unworthy because of his offenses. He knows that in the execution of his office, many people are hurt and oppressed by him. He lowers himself in great humility. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
We see the acceptance.
The centurion tells the Lord, “Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” Though this man is a Roman, he demonstrates incredible faith in the power of Christ. This centurion has faith that Jesus can heal his servant by just speaking a word. This man has heard enough about Jesus that he is convinced in his heart of the authority of Christ being so powerful that the servant can be healed without even a physical visit from our Lord.
We see the approval.
Jesus heals this man’s servant right there where the two were standing. This man’s prayer is answered! Not only that, Jesus commends this man for having “so great faith.” Even though the Jews had a great history of the works of God, there were none in Israel at that time that had a faith like this centurion. This man was an exception to the rule!
Do you have a faith that the Lord commends as “so great faith”? Let us exercise a faith that is the exception and not the rule!
Have a faith-empowered God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 8-10