Matthew 8:5-13
There is power in the spoken Word of God. God spoke and there was light, and in the days following, all things were made by Him. He created all things just by speaking the Word. His creation displays His amazing love, His power and His authority! All that was created grew, flourished, and multiplied, and God said, "It was good!"
When the Roman centurion came to Jesus for the healing of his servant, it is fascinating that he did not expect Jesus to physically go to touch and heal his servant. "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." In one sentence, this humble centurion believes that Jesus is God, Jesus alone is worthy, and Jesus has all power and authority. This kind of faith was not found in His own people. It is the reason why the church today is not growing, flourishing, and multiplying spiritually. The Holy Spirit did a miraculous work of grace in the heart of this man. He received God's love manifested in creation. Now he is witness to God's love for mankind manifested in Jesus. He understood God's authority over creation.
This Roman centurion, like all who come to true faith, grew from no faith—for no one is born a Christian—to a mustard seed of faith, to a faith that approached the Holy Son of God. He was growing in faith and, with compassion, came with a request of healing for another. When he left Jesus, believing the spoken Word of healing, he continued to grow, for upon returning home, he found his servant healed and his prayer answered, as he had believed. If he continued in faith, not doubting, but believing, he grew even closer to the Lord. After the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, he would go to Jesus in prayer and not in person, approaching the throne of God boldly to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. God's love, power, and authority, working in and through us, will grow every one of us to fulfill God's purpose for our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit bringing glory to God alone.
Jesus commended the faith of this Roman centurion, who maintained a position of authority, yet through faith, understood true authority. He did not challenge the authority of the Son of God, but humbly surrendered and believed, because he knew true authority is always exercised in love. Behind the spoken Word is a faithful God who spoke it, and has power and authority to fulfill His Word, and to hear and answer my prayer and yours. Grow, flourish, and multiply, according to the Word of God and empowered by the Spirit—to be a good testimony of Life. For He alone is good! The Word of God speaks that Jesus is love, and has all power and authority. He is Lord at birth! Merry Christmas!
~ Rosemary Parrotta
