Great Faith

Text:

‘I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’ – Matthew 8:10

Thought:

Faith is what many Christians dream of having. Great faith is considered to be beyond the reach of most. In the Gospels two people are commended for having great faith. Both were Gentiles, outsiders of the nation of Israel.

Many Christians stream forward for prayer for healing, yet end up going away disappointed as nothing happens. At the same time they’re amazed that the non-Christian who did the same, walks away healed. They can’t understand why! It’s all too easy to end up thinking that God has favourites.

Let’s take a short study of what the Bible records about one of the two with great faith and see if something can help us get our miracle too. He was a Roman Centurion, an unlikely candidate to have great faith, who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant who was dying.

• The Intention of Jesus – ‘I will come and heal him’

Jesus’ clear and forthright way in which he responded to this request is exactly the same as how he replied to the leper who said, “‘Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean.’”   “‘I am willing, be cleansed.’” Yet it’s amazing how many Christians have doubts and unbelief when it comes to healing. “Is it God’s will to heal today?” they debate. One minute they think He does, the next He doesn’t, usually after being prayed for and nothing happening. James reminds us that such double-mindedness always results in getting nothing. ¹

Why is it that when the Bible is so clear on an issue, we don’t take it at face value, instead trying to undermine the very faith it is trying to release?

• The Reaction of the Centurion – ‘Lord I am not worthy … but only speak a word and my servant will be healed’

What faith! He then proceeded to reveal why he had such faith by saying, “I’m part of a kingdom where words are power. I speak and it’s done!” He said he saw Jesus in the same way – part of God’s kingdom that when He spoke it would happen. Great faith says, “I’ve got it” before it can be seen in reality. Little wonder Jesus was thrilled to find someone who believed like this, even if he was a Gentile! In God’s kingdom words are power and Jesus is called the Word of God. Is that how you see Him, or is He like so many depict Him – still on a cross or the baby in the arms of Mary?

Jesus told us to speak in faith to our mountain and it will move. ²  Hallelujah!

Yet we can see other qualities in the Centurion that will help us to have great faith too.

• He cared about people – ‘His servant who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die’

Roman soldiers were known for ruthlessness and cruelty. They ruled with a rod of iron. Yet here’s a man who showed not just a tender streak but a loving lifestyle. Servants were two a penny, yet he was determined to hang on to this one. It’s all too easy for Christians to still be ruled by selfishness. Start caring about and for others, for it can lead to great faith.

• He was sensitive to other people’s national and religious beliefs – ‘For he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue’

Trained to suppress the people by force, he sought to create an atmosphere of peace by working with those he ruled over. Israel was despised by the Romans, yet it was loved by this centurion. Israel’s God was not like the Roman ones, yet he built a synagogue for the Jews to worship in, totally unaware that one day the God of Israel would reward his sensitivity and care, and label him as having great faith!

Many churches have been blighted by Christians demanding their say and leaders ruling harshly. Take a leaf out of this Centurion’s book and handle others with understanding. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ ³ Proverbs declares, ‘The one who wins souls is wise.’ ⁴ We would do well to copy the wisdom of this Roman soldier.

For those reading this in need of a miracle, don’t give up! ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ ⁵  

The Bible gives us a clue as to how we should act –

‘A fast  for Me involves sharing your food with people who have none, giving those who are homeless a space in your home, giving clothes to those who need them, and not neglecting your own family. Then, oh then, your light will break out like the warm, golden rays of arising sun; in an instant, you will be healed.’ ⁶

Maybe a change in lifestyle is needed to create an atmosphere in which great faith can be birthed. How we react and respond to people ultimately determines our future, and the harvest we will reap.

Try this every day for the next month. Think more about others than yourself. Be sensitive to their needs and concerns, and see what happens to you. Write and let me know about the good things that start coming your way!

For the full account of the Centurion read Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10

¹ – James 1:7-8

² – Mark 11:22-24

³ – Matthew 5:9

⁴ – Proverbs 11:30

⁵ – Hebrews 13:8

⁶ – Isaiah 58:7-8 – The Voice Translation