“…just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Luke 7:7b

Not most times but absolutely ever time I read this account of Jesus healing a centurion’s slave I feel like a second class Christian. This guy’s faith blows me away! I immediately identify with another guy who was also asking Jesus for a miracle; he wanted Jesus to heal his son and confessed “I believe, help my unbelief.” I’m betting I’m not alone; at least I hope I’m not alone…sadly, misery does love company.

The question for me usually goes to “how?” How did this guy have such great faith where he could send a message to Jesus and tell Him not to come in person but just “just say the word”? If we simply continue reading the next verse answers the how.

“For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Luke 7:8

When we recognize and place ourselves under the authority of God, not just intellectually but practically, than we too can experience the reality of the supernatural life that He has for us. At this point I’m betting most of us are thinking, “Ok, great, HOW?”

We all do it or have done it. Whether with our parents, teachers, coaches, employers, etc. we have all ‘placed ourselves under authority’ at one time or another. Don’t think theologically, think practically. When we place ourselves under authority we voluntarily relinquish our perceived rights to govern our own lives in the context of that authority. As this relates to God’s authority in our lives we only need to remember four words: Grab, Thank, Ask, Ask. (Call To Obedience by Howie & Dennie Dowell)

Grab hold of the truth that God is in control (Isaiah 45:5-7). The centurion recognized Jesus for Who He is and placed himself under His authority no matter the outcome.
Thank Him in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thankfulness in difficult circumstances demonstrates our trust in God.
Ask ‘How should I respond in this very moment?’(Palms 119:105). This question should always move us to flinch to God’s Word for the answer.
Ask ‘What are you trying to teach me?’ (Romans 8:28-29). Ultimately, God is conforming us to the image of Jesus and whatever He brings into our lives is to that end.

We must think Biblically, “Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Father, please move me to trust in Who You are and walk by faith and not by sight. Cause me to flinch to what You say about life and not what I feel. Please open my ears to hear Your voice in my life. Please Father, ‘just say the Word.’