Dependence in Christ: The Centurion Solider

Dependence means to rely on someone for basic needs such as shelter, security and total well being.
Dependence in Jesus Christ therefore implies leaning not on your own understanding but accept His way, His plan and His will.

In the Bible story of the Centurion Solider in Luke 7: 1- 10, the solider displayed a certain unique dependence in Christ, Jesus, the "founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), once marveled at the faith he found in a man. He said: "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" - Luke 7:9. It is the only instance the gospel records such a remarkable response from Jesus.

When Jesus comes into a city, the city will be turned upside down because unimaginable miracles will be performed. No matter how terrible the problem is, the King of kings always had a solution. Any city He steps his foot in, records instant healing, deliverance and total transformation. Nothing was impossible for Him and residents in any particular city he visited are always eager to meet him. You can imagine the great joy one will feel when told THE MIRACLE WORKER will be a guest in your house. For the SON OF GOD to be willing to visit your home, is indeed a big deal but the Centurion Solider declined to what anyone in his shoes will jump for joy.

This man was a Roman Solider, a representative of Israel's enemy. He was Gentile, doubtless he had a pagan origin but nevertheless he knew the King of Glory better than many who dinned with him. The Centurion Solider was not a disciple, nor someone from the linage of Christ. He did not attend any Bible School or Pastoral School, yet he knew what even those Jewish elders did not grasp. Though the Centurion Solider had a wrong resume yet he is recorded as one of the Bible's greatest hero of faith.

Furthermore, though the Centurion was a man of war but he was also a kindhearted man, one who loved others, the Scripture in Luke7: 5  shows this, in the attempt of the Jewish elders to speak on his behalf to Christ - “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with them. This Centurion is a reminder to us that "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (Samuel 16:7).  The Centurion though a man in charge of thousands of slaves, he loved them. I assume this was why he wanted the sick servant healed, probably all the doctors he invited could not cure the servant's illness. Let us bear in mind the servant was not his natural born child but he was ready to go an extra mile to save the life of a slave who was worth nothing, slaves who were bought and sold out regularly.

In Luke 7: 6 - Jesus was not far from the house when 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. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 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.”

Examine the faith in the words of the Centurion, 'Just say the word and my servant will be healed'. Indeed the Centurion recognised Christ omnipotence, the King of kings and Lord of Lords. He thought to himself, if he under authority can command his servants and they obey him then much more can be done by the KING OF THE UNIVERSE. Christ overwhelmed by this great faith and dependence healed the servant from a distance.

One of the lessons we should learn from this verse is, we all need to depend on the only ONE (JESUS) with the real and absolute authority to heal us. I am not talking about partial dependence but total dependence. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith is the number one target of the enemy because he knows if he can stop your faith, he can stop you. The Centurion told the WONDER WORKING JESUS, who walks on waters; do not trouble yourself to come to my house, just say the word. He knew Jesus identity better than some around him so 'JUST SAY THE WORD' which means you do not have to lay hands on the servant before he gets well or pour any oil on his head ' JUST SAY THE WORD'.

Actually what marvels me about this Bible story is the Centurion figured, who Christ was without a Bible or Sunday Class training.  

"JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, The Lord is there." Indeed He is every where.

Shalom!