Sunday 16 Dec 2018

December 16: Matthew 8:2-10

Key Verse: Matthew 8:8
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Devotion:
We may look back at the times of Jesus and think it must have been easy to believe in Him because of the miracles He did. This passage shows the different levels of faith which were around at the time; we may well fall into the same category as the leper being that our faith is strengthened only when Christ does something for us or when we can see Him. Whatever our faith, we can relate to the words in this passage today.

If we are like the leper, then we do seek physical evidence about Christ’s power so our faith can be strengthened; but it is only that, we have had to have faith in the beginning in order for it to be strengthened. If we are going to walk around waiting for physical evidence before we believe, then we are going to be disappointed. Yes there is plenty of physical evidence, but if we have not seen it and believed already, then we will continue to see it and continue to not believe. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:17 NIV)

If we are like the centurion, then we have a sure faith because we have already seen the evidence and have already depended on the evidence. As the centurion described it, he saw people around him with faith all the time. Because of his position, they did what he said, believing that it would be for the best. He had his position in the army because of his ability. Christ has an even higher position and He has it because He is the Son of God. Whatever He says is for the betterment of all. Whatever He asks of us, we should be doing. Our faith needs to be just as sure as our belief that those in power will do the right thing too. Jesus came to earth not to demonstrate His power and give us all something tangible to hold on to, He came so He could save us from our sins. All that He did was show His love for us in the best possible way...

Points to Ponder:
Do you trust and listen to people in power?

Do you trust and listen to God?