What is the Source of Astounding Faith?

“So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.””

Luke 7:6-8 NLT

‭‭The faith of this Gentile, a Roman Centurion posted in Caesarea to enforce Roman law, never ceases to amaze me. 

Every time I read his story, these four words reverberate in my brain.  It’s as if the font for these four words is bold and ALL CAPS, even enlarged from a 10 pt font size to 100 pt font size.  It’s so LOUD, it’s almost as if I can’t hear or see anything else. 

JUST

SAY

THE

WORD

“Just say the word.”

Jesus, just say it.  Speak it.  It will be done.  Whatever you ask.  Done!

I don’t want these four words to be so loud, though, that I miss what he says next.  

His reasoning.  His logic.  The underlying principle behind those four words. 

“I am under the authority…”

Faith

Obedience

Ultimately, they are rooted in an understanding of and a conviction in authority. 

Behind those four simple but powerful words are a few basic facts. 

1.  The Centurion understood authority. 

2.  The Centurion recognized Jesus’ authority. 

3.  The Centurion responded to Jesus’ authority.  

4.  The Centurion was rewarded by Jesus’ authority. 

Jesus’ authority commanded obedience.  

Jesus’ authority inspired faith. 

Jesus’ authority is worthy of these four words.  

At any time…

In all circumstances…

No matter the difficulty, or the cost…

Jesus, my Lord,

Just say the word!

NOTE:Today’s blogpost is based upon Sonlife’s study, Knowing Him / A 50 Day Study in the Life of Christ / Day 29