Faith Is No Respecter of Persons

Text: Luke 7:1-10 Theme: The centurion’s faith was unbecoming and unmatched. Key verses: “…a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him…” (v. 2-3) “…the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof…But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (v. 6-7) “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” What God said to me: Son, you need to focus on this today. There is a powerful lesson I am trying to show you, but your mind is so scattered and distracted. You are thinking about your ministry needs and plans, but I am your ministry. I am your minister. I am your source of any ministry to come for you. Die to yourself and your supposed need to check off your to-do lists. I am your to-do list! Today I want you to see the importance of faith that is pure and powerful. The kind of faith this centurion had is highly unusual. This man was not a Jew, not an official God-follower. He was not forced to memorize the Law and observe the Passover while he was growing up. Yet, he had more faith than anyone in Israel. This kind of faith does not come but by prayer and fasting. This man had invested voluntary time in my Word and on his knees. He had gotten to know me by making time with me. Clearly he had built up his most holy faith. And that faith paid off. His servant was healed, just as he knew Jesus could do it. One more thing I want you to notice: This centurion’s faith made him extremely humble and grateful. Although he was a powerful leader among the Romans, he did not see himself as worthy of having Jesus in his home. Faith, true, Biblical faith, leads to a life of humility and wisdom. How’s your faith, Dwayne? Are you building it up every day by investing time with me? What I said to God: Holy Lord, I know You are the almighty God, the One, true Master and Creator. I acknowledge my desparate need for You today. I humble myself before Your almighty hand of grace and provision and direction. Praise You for growing my faith and making me more like You.