The sum of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments is everlasting.
Psalm 119:160 (NASB)
Series: The Gift of Faith
Have you ever heard someone say, “What I say goes!” Maybe you’ve said it, or something like it, yourself. Typically, this phrase is spoken with command and directed toward those under that person’s authority. Those within earshot understand the speaker has issued orders that must be followed.
Words have power. They can inspire, encourage, and teach or deflate, damage, and destroy. They can build relationships or tear them apart. They help define beliefs, desires, goals, and dreams. They express emotions, share information, and drive action. However, the propelling force behind the creative power in any word rests fully upon the authority of the speaker and the trust of the hearer.
Does the listener honor the one speaking and value the position held by that person? Does the hearer believe the words being spoken? These factors impact the fulfillment of what is said. A story in the Gospel of Matthew demonstrates this reality. Matthew 8:5-10 (NASB) reads:
And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, begging Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, terribly tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.
Centurions were Roman officers who served as a bridge between the troops and commanding officers. The centurion who called out to Jesus understood authority and power, having worked among the ranks of the Roman Empire. He experienced receiving and giving orders, and those directions being performed.
The centurion not only understood authority and the power of words, but he also displayed beautiful humility and amazing faith. How was that possible? He was a Gentile and served in the “enemy” army. From another account of this event in Luke 7, we learn the centurion loved the Jewish nation and helped build the synagogue. Perhaps he heard about Jesus from his Jewish friends.
We don’t get the backstory of how this centurion knew to seek Jesus for his servant’s healing. But we do see a glimpse of a faith that causes Jesus to marvel. And this is what amazing faith looks like:
- Humbly seeking Jesus, desiring His presence while knowing you are unworthy;
- Reverencing the authority of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
- Believing the word of God is true and powerful; and
- Trusting the word given will be fulfilled.
This interaction is an exact demonstration of one of our focus verses in this series. Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) says,
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.
The centurion drew near to Jesus, believed He existed, sought out His presence, and received His reward. Matthew 8:13 (NASB) tells us the reward the centurion received:
And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
“It shall be done for you as you have believed!” That is the result of the centurion’s marvelous faith!
Jesus is the Living Word, the Word made flesh. Somehow, the centurion knew and believed Jesus had godly authority in the earth and that His words held power. He fully trusted what Jesus says goes! Perhaps, while building the synagogue and hanging out with the Jewish people, he learned some scriptures. Maybe Isaiah 55:10-11 was a passage he believed:
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it produce and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it. (NASB)
Do we believe in God—the fullness of His authority, His power, His word? Are we humbly seeking Him, or just the blessings He can provide? Do we wholly believe God is committed to performing His word, being willing and able to reward us according to our faith when it is aligned with His purpose?
Let’s build our faith, like the centurion, to such a place where Jesus marvels. May we humbly seek the Lord in the beauty of His presence; honor His position of power and authority; believe His word is true; and trust His faithfulness to perform His word. After all, what He says goes!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Psalm 119:160; Matthew 8:5-13, 28:18; Luke 7:1-10; Hebrews 1:3; John 1:1-18; Isaiah 55:10-11
