Daily Bread - 05/26/07
Matthew 8:10 - When Jesus heard him he was amazed and said to those who followed truly I tell you I have not found so great of faith in Israel.
The first definition of faith was provided by Jesus in Matthew 8:10. It was defined by the attitude and confidence of a Roman Centurion. The centurion was in such awe of Jesus that even though Jesus was willing to come to his house he did not feel worthy. Perhaps one of the advantages that this man had was his ability to recognize authority. Recognizing the authority that Jesus had, His word was all he needed.
The authority of the word and our willingness to accept it and act on it is a theme that runs throughout the scripture. To move in such faith we must be struck with the awesomeness of God who has the authority to do anything He chooses. We must hear His word telling us that He cares for us and that He will do whatever we ask. Then we must call it done (Mark 11:24; Acts 10:43; Galatians 3:2; Romans 4:17, 20-21: 2 Corinthians 1:20). The centurion was not of the household of faith and had no rights to the covenant and promises. He was a man of a pagan race who did not know God and Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Yet, because of the centurion's faith, he had access into the realms of the Kingdom and his petition was immediately granted.
One of the advantages that this man had over many in Israel was that he was not confused with all of the doctrinal questions as to whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. He being a man who was exposed to great commanders and leaders was able to recognize authority and greatness. Out of concern for his servant, he probably made up his mind that he would go and investigate this man of whom he had heard so many rumors. When he had arrived and saw the multitudes gather together as Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount he was struck by the words which Jesus spoke (Matthew 5-7). Then as he witnessed the man with Leprosy cured instantaneously by the command of Jesus, he knew that this was a man who had authority. He stepped forward overwhelmed by the awesome display of the power of God in the life of Jesus and by a simple request revealed what faith truly is.
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
About Me
- Carol L
- San Diego area, California, United States
- I started this blog back in 2005, but in 2006 began dedicating it solely for the purpose of posting email messages called, Daily Bread, sent out Monday through Saturday by my pastor, Mark Spitsbergen. These daily emails contain fresh revelation that Mark gets from the Word of God by the Holy Spirit for that day for the church that God has called him to pastor, Abiding Place. 1 Peter 4:11 says, "If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister let him do it as of the ability which God gives that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, (John 14:6), and He says, "The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are Life." (John 6:63). For the Word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).
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