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 7:8b
(full context:Luke 7:1-10)
Authority. I wonder what that word really means. We hear it all the time.
On the evening news, stories of "the authorities" stepping in. Soap opera weddings show beautiful couples standing before the judge, waiting for those words, "By the authority vested in me. . . ." And in Scripture, we see many examples of authority tested or affirmed, as in this passage about the Roman centurion whose beloved servant is dying.
This centurion understood many things. He understood that there was no way he, a Roman, was worthy to be in Jesus' presence, let alone ask Jesus to heal his servant. It simply wasn't the way things were in his world.
But he had another perspective, as well: Because he was a leader and had men under him who "took care of things" when he was not there to do so himself, this Roman centurion also knew what it meant to have authority.
Kind of like, he says, "Jump!" and his servant says, "How high?" And the Centurion knows this will happen, because it always does.
And now there is this new rabbi in town. Some are claiming he is-- different. More. Maybe the Messiah, the One come to save all of Israel. He is performing all sorts of miracles, healings and-- more.
For the centurion, it doesn't matter whether Jesus is Roman or Jewish-- or Martian. All this centurion knows is this: His beloved servant is ill and dying. And this "Jesus" comes, they say, with the authority of the Almighty.
Jesus says, "Believe and be healed," and healing happens. It's that simple.
It's still that simple. Believe, trust in the authority of Jesus and he healed. Be given fresh sight, stand up and walk--no, dance! Let the pieces of your broken heart be made whole, through the authority of Almighty God.
And notice-- in case you didn't already-- the centurion is not one of Jesus' "insiders." He is not Jewish, not a disciple. For all we know, his request comes solely from the rumors he has heard about this man who is doing more amazing things than have ever been seen-- until now.
It really is about faith, isn't it?
Faith and trust-- and believing that God really does love each one of us that much. So much, God would do anything to heal our broken hearts.
Where will you allow the Spirit of the Most High into your life? Is there a place that could use a Divine touch?
What are you waiting for? You have heard about him. You may even have seen his Spirit at work in the lives of others. Listen for the whispers in your heart. It's your turn. Time for healing. Time for peace.
Gracious, ever-loving, ever-living God, lead us into a space of deep peace, safe in your Divine embrace. Remind us again just how precious we are. Amen
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