DAILY DEVOTION, April 10, 2021

For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one “Go” and he goes; and that one “Come” and he comes. I say to my servant “Do this,” and he does it (Luke 7:8).

In Luke 7:1-10 a Roman Centurian asks Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus planned to go to the Centurian’s home, but the Centurian stopped Him. He recognized the authority of Jesus. All Jesus needed to do was say the word, and healing would come. Jesus marveled at the faith of this non-Jewish Roman.

While Jesus is not physically present with us today, we do possess His Words in Scripture. This episode reminds us to ask a question: who is in charge of your life? To whom or what do you answer? Many answer only to their personal thoughts and opinions. This Centurian trusted in the Word of Jesus. Do you? Do I?

This episode should renew our resolve to listen carefully to the Bible, the Book where God speaks. As we hear and obey the Word of God, His power is unleashed in our lives. The Centurian knew he had authority over his soldiers. They would do as he commanded. He also believed in the absolute authority of Jesus. Disease would flee at His Word.

One would not expect to find such faith in a Roman soldier. One would expect to find such dedication in Christian believers in Jesus. Let God’s Word be your final authority, and perhaps, like the Centurian, you will find a miracle.

Father, I thank You for Your Word. Thank You for giving us your thoughts in written form that we may possess them today. Help me, I pray, to organize my life around Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.