The Exception and Not the Rule
Today’s Verse:
And 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. This morning, let us see 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 “grievously tormented.” This centurion was a Gentile and most likely a pagan in his lifestyle. This centurion needed help beyond what human and medical means could provide. This man came to Jesus in prayer. His prayer was in submission to the Lord’s authority. He called Jesus “Lord”. This man’s prayer was with simplicity. He asked for help. This man’s prayer was steadfast. He was determined he would not give up until Jesus helped his servant.
We see the acceptance.
“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 we have a God Who answers prayer! I’m thankful 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 was convicted of his unworthiness of Jesus coming to his home. He said, “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 felt unworthy because of his office: he was man of authority who told other people what to do. He felt unworthy because of his offenses. He knew that in the execution of his office, many people were hurt and oppressed by him. He lowered 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 told the Lord, “Speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” Though this man was a Roman, he demonstrated incredible faith in the power of Christ. This centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his servant by just speaking a word. This man had heard enough about Jesus that he was convinced in his heart of the authority of Christ being so powerful, the servant could be healed without even a physical visit from our Lord.
We see the approval.
Jesus healed this man’s servant right there where the two were standing. This man’s prayer was answered! Not only that, Jesus commended 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: Leviticus 11-13