Verse of the Day 5/15

Through the Bible - 2 Kings 15-17, John 6:22-59

Good morning,
For today's verse we'll turn to Luke chapter 7 where Jesus heals the centurion's servant.
This outsider, the Roman centurion has a servant that is ill. He obviously has been learning about Jesus (and gained a good reputation among the people at the temple) and believes that Jesus can heal his servant. He shows his reverence and respect for Jesus in that he wants to approach Jesus through the "proper channels" going through the temple elders to approach. He is not sure of himself but he is sure of Jesus and gives one of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible.
He sends his friends to talk to Jesus. Today's verse is part of what he sent them to say.

Luke 7:7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having 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." NKJV

How many times have we approached Jesus, have we approached God with this attitude? Have you ever "thrown out a fleece" asking for a sign that He will answer you?
True faith doesn't always come from the seasoned believer. Sometimes faith and trust must develop over a long period of time. Sometimes it doesn't seem to develop to this point at all. Other times a relatively new believer can show us what true faith and trust is.
Another remarkable point in this event is Jesus' response to this.
Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" NKJV
The word used here for marvelled was only used by Jesus twice in the New Testament, here and where Jesus commented on the lack of faith of in His hometown (Mark 6:6).
How is your faith, your trust? What will it take to be like that of the centurion where you approach the Lord with "say the word" and believe that it will be done or "say the word" and I'll do it, I'll go?
Read the passage. How does it speak to you today?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Luke 7:1-11

Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant
(Matt 8:5-13)

7 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having 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."

9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.