January 7, 2016:  SOAP #2226: Genesis 18-19;  

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 7:7 [Roman centurion’s message] …I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go’, and he goes; and that one, ‘Come’, and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Observation:   The centurion, being UNDER authority, understood authority.  Being UNDER authority caused him to be IN authority.  His word would be carried out because he commanded those under his authority.  He only needed to speak.  The centurion had authority over men; Jesus had authority over disease!  The centurion had authority in the human realm; Jesus had authority in the spiritual realm.  He recognized that the only thing necessary for his servant to be healed, was for Jesus to speak the word.

Application:   People want authority, but do not want to be submissive!  Authority comes in proportion to one’s submission.  The one who is faithful in little will be made ruler over much.  (The important words in the previous sentence are not “little” and “much,” but “faithful” and “ruler.”)

Prayer:   Lord, I want to be your faithful servant.  Use me as you desire and is best for your kingdom! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!