Amazing Faith

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33 ,
Luke 7:1-10

In today’s Gospel, we have a display of great humility from a Centurion. He approached Jesus for the sake of his ill servant. this centurion senses a power greater than what is humanly possible to save his slave (he also refers to the man as his “servant”). In the priorities of what matters, this noble, powerful centurion sees the life of his slave as important to him. The Jewish elders, of all people, were the ones who came to ask Him to come and heal this centurion’s slave. Not his son, daughter, or mother-in-law, but his slave.

Realizing his own inadequacy in not being able to do anything more, and the realization that he is about to meet Jesus, he sends his friend. Christ wanted to go to his house but he took quick appraisal of the situation by sending a message that will last for ages to come, and in a marvelous demonstration of true humility, confessed his own unworthiness that the Holy One should come into his house. For I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”
At every Eucharist we plea, “but only say the Word and my soul shall be healed.” Only say the Word putting our faith in that utterance.By implication, he recognized Christ as the Great and Chief Commander of the heavenly army, the chief authority, over all creation not merely of earth but of heaven also, and having under his authority all things, even the things of the unseen creation such should be our faith in God.

We have learnt from this narrative, the necessity of human agents in salvation. So in the saving of souls and a man can prevail only has he believes. What a state of privilege! The success of any leader in public roles is attached to his relationship with God. No matter the level of your leadership, you cannot face leadership challenges without being equipped in faith through prayer- conversation with God. Always have an encounter with God before you take any major decision in your life.

If you wish to enjoy the eminent grace of the full assurance of faith like the centurion under the blessed Spirit’s influence, and assistance, do what the Scripture tells us, “Give diligence.” Take care that thy faith is of the right kind—that it is not a mere belief of doctrine, but a simple faith, depending on Christ, and on Christ alone. Give diligent heed to your courage. Plead with God that he would give you the face of a lion, that you may, with a consciousness of right, go on boldly. Study well the Scriptures, and get knowledge; for a knowledge of doctrine will tend very much to confirm faith. Try to understand God’s Word; let it dwell in your heart richly daily.

Array yourself with patience, Make God’s glory your object in life; live in his sight; dwell close to him; seek for fellowship with him; Have a love to all the saints: and add to that a charity, which opens its arms to all men, and loves their souls. When you are adorned with these jewels, and just in proportion as you practise these heavenly virtues, will you come to know by clearest evidence “your calling and election.” “Give diligence! Be humble! Have faith in God!,” for lukewarmness and doubting very naturally go hand in hand. God answers prayers have faith in God!

Fr. Joeseph