Pastor's Corner: Hearing and serving the Lord

John Chapman

As we recognized Veterans Day last week, recalling those who have served our county including those who laid down their lives for our freedoms, I am reminded of Jesus’ praise in Matthew 8:5-10, “Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’  When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’”

A Roman Centurion that was compassionate on his tormented servant and believing that Jesus has spiritual authority to heal is astounding! Yet his training didn’t need a sign or ceremony for his servant to be healed, “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”  In the military one quickly learns the chain of authority, or chain of command, where the person in command gives a charge and those following obey the order completely. This discipline is essential for order in times of combat or maneuvers. The centurion’s faith was established on his training for obeying orders received as well as his expecting his orders to be obeyed by his command.

Note how Jesus responded to this Centurion’s discipline: “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”   

If we dutifully obey those in authority over us, our supervisor or boss, those in law enforcement or physicians prescribing treatments, how much more should we lovingly respect and obey the Creator of the universe, the King of all kings and Savior of our souls?  

King David proclaimed in Psalm 119:4-7  “You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart,”

May our response to God’s instructions be, “I hear and lovingly obey! Here I am, send me Lord.”

May God richly bless you today.

(Pastor John Chapman is pastor of First Baptist Church of Havre. He is one of several who write for the Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association.)