Matthew 8:8-10 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marveled…. (KJV)
I have to admit, I often feel the same way that Jesus felt in this circumstance! Whenever I hear somebody express a clear cut view of faith it is almost a total shock to me. I want to jump up and shout, “YES” or “THAT’S RIGHT” or some other amen-like explicative. Faith seems to be so hard to find these days!
There is more to be gleaned from the reading of these verses than just the fact that faith is rare. These verses also show that faith is immensely practical and pragmatic. A person of ‘faith’ is not just making a religious statement of opinion. He is looking for something very specific and expecting to receive it. He is making a plea predicated on the reality of something very practical and real. The Centurion’s words demonstrate the faith way. He said to Jesus, in effect, “You are the one who has the ability to get the job done! And all you have to do is agree with my request! SPEAK THE WORD ONLY!”
He is saying: I don’t need theatrics, I don’t need charisma, I don’t need to be dazzled, and I don’t need to see you on the Mount of Transfiguration in order to know that you have the power! He who has the AUTHORITY TO SPEAK already has the POWER TO PERFORM!
Three words; COME, GO, DO! Kind of sounds like, “Let there be light. And there was light.”; don’t you think? Jesus has all authority in Heaven and in Earth; go ye therefore and ASK IN FAITH BELIEVING. Go ahead! Make me marvel! Make all your friends marvel! God’s hand is not short; it is your hands that are in your pockets. Why not raise them in worshipful faith today.
Original Copyright: © Anthony J. Massotti Th.M., Th.M. 4/25/1999