A Profile in Faith

One Bible story that always touches my heart and challenges my faith is about the Roman centurion coming to Jesus on behalf of his sick servant.

Here is an officer in the conquering Roman army, that proud military power which crushed many nations to establish the greatest empire the world had ever known.

Yet out of concern for a feverish and paralyzed servant, the centurion humbly approached Jesus -- a young Jewish man living in Israel under Roman occupation -- saying, "Lord, I am not worthy" (Mt. 8:8).

This officer truly understood humility -- and authority! For when Jesus offered to come to his home and heal the servant, he answered: "Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers" (Mt. 8:8b-9).

The centurion knew his orders carried power and were instantly obeyed. And by a revelation of the Holy Spirit, he recognized that Jesus also commanded great power -- in the spiritual realm. Therefore, he knew that Jesus' orders would be completely obeyed!

Amazed that a non-Jew could have such faith, Jesus said, "Go on home. What you have believed has happened" (Mt. 8:13). And He promised, "Many Gentiles will come from all over the world and sit down ... at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Mt. 8:11).

Today, let's pray with that same humbleness of heart and boldness of faith -- asking God to open doors for the Gospel to go out among all nations, drawing millions of lost souls into His glorious Kingdom!

All Scripture is quoted from The Book except as noted.