Good Morning 06-10

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OR FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

1 Kings 8:41-43
Galatians 1:10
Luke 7:1-10
Psalm 117

This is a beautiful text to begin the non-festival part of the church year when we think especially of the Christian's faith-life which comes as a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification. It would be difficult to find a better example of such a Spirit-filled life of faith than that of the centurion of Capernaum. Even the LORD praise this man's faith. What kind of faith does Jesus call great?

In the Roman centurion, Jesus finally finds someone who understands his authority. Neither his disciples nor the teachers in the synagogue comprehend his authority, but a Gentile soldier does. How is it that this Roman soldier has the faith to state, "Only speak the word, and let my servant be healed"?

This centurion knew authority. He commanded 100 men, even from afar. When he gave a command, action unfolded before him. The centurion only had to speak the word, and troops would attack or fall back. This centurion knew his power had limits. His slave was sick and it was not within his power to heal. When he heard that Jesus was healing the sick, he sent these words. " I am not worthy to have you come under by roof, but only speak the word, and let my servant be healed."

It almost seems presumptuous to think that Jesus could heal from a distance, but the centurion was only giving Jesus the kind of authority that he had: to give the word, and it would happen. Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith.

Christian friends, May we share the centurion's faith, call out to Jesus, "Only speak the word, and let your servant be healed."

Oh my soul, wait on the LORD
And know He sees your need;
He'll make His presence known to you
Through word and kindly deed.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Those who wait on the LORD will never be disappointed.