Matthew 8:8-10 “The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 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.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith

It is interesting that someone on the “wrong side” of the social and political order was able to demonstrate such an intimate knowledge of God. Since faith and relationship are tied one to another, it is understood that when this Roman centurion demonstrated such a great trust in the powers of Jesus, he was essential demonstrating ‘deep roots’ in his relationship and intimacy with God. If this were uncommon enough that it “amazed” Jesus, can you imagine the effect if must have had on his disciples? Here is the “enemy” of Israel, the invaders and persecutors of God’s chosen people, coming to a Rabbi for help. The culture of the time would have made it easy for the centurion to stay away from these circumstances. It surely could not have been good for his reputation. Yet, despite a culture that would have left the soldier’s servant to suffer and perhaps die rather than ask a Jew for help, the centurion fails to compromise his beliefs and he openly acknowledges that Jesus’ power to heal, like his own power to command people, comes from a higher authority. His trust was in Yahweh. And by acknowledging that, he confirmed Christ to be God’s chosen one.

Pray: Dear Father, it has been shown time and again that you are not a respecter of persons. Your desire is to have a relationship with all who will acknowledge the Lordship of your son and accept you. You have given me many examples of people who have stood faithful when it would have been easy to compromise their faith. It is no harder for me today than it was for them back then. They had no special advantage that I do not have. Therefore, Lord, I humbly ask you open yourself to me in such a way that my roots sink deep enough so that when the winds of compromise come my faith will bend but not break. In my Savior’s saving name I pray – Amen