“…just give the word and my servant will be cured.” “…I tell you solemnly, nowhere in Israel have I found faith like this.’’
Matthew 8:5-11
“Where are you Lord?” “Can’t you bring an end to this plague?” Around this time last year these questions were commonly posed. Hopelessness besieged many with the unnerving impacts of the pandemic: death of multitudes, overwhelmed systems, flattened economies, increased global poverty and inequality, the future of millions in limbo, curtailment of movement, coupled with the unfettered degradation by global warming, ruthless power struggles, the list unending!
The astounding faith of the centurion, a Gentile, is empowering. A man of power and status yet humble and of love. Although a pagan, he was knowledgeable of Jesus’ ministry and had complete faith in Jesus’ power to save. He interceded with a faith-filled request for his servant and an affirmation, “Just give the word”. He knew that Jesus was not limited by presence, space or time and just His word would create the intended result. Jesus was astonished by his faith.
Recognizing and accepting our unworthiness, interceding, appealing for miracles to be granted, exercising absolute reliance on Jesus and manifesting astounding faith, is what we must do.