A Roman centurion, who recognised Jesus’ authority. Luke 7

⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘GO, WASH YOURSELF SEVEN TIMES IN THE JORDAN, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ 2 Kings 5

Naaman’s standing, with his chariots and horses, was ignored by the man of God and he went away angry. But to get his healing he had to dip or go down, seven times (not once or twice, but seven times he had to bow down in the river). COMPLETE HUMBLING BEFORE GOD, we can only come on His terms.

¹⁶ The prophet answered, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I WILL NOT ACCEPT A THING.’ And even though Naaman urged him, he refused. 2 Kings 5

We can never put anything on our side of the scales to lessen the debt, we are totally obligated to Him. Also Worldly wealth and status are worthless to receive the blessings of God (but finances can promote the Kingdom).

We read of another soldier, a Roman centurion, who sought the Lord for healing for his servant. Matt 8:5-13;Luke 7:1-10

This man was unique amongst those the Lord had met.

⁸ For I MYSELF AM A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY, with soldiers under me. Luke 7

Authority means delegated power and to a large degree it’s what makes a society function. The centurion, because of his rank, understood the significance of authority. He knew that when he spoke those below him would immediately recognise and obey.

‘LORD, DON’T TROUBLE YOURSELF, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. ⁷ That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. BUT SAY THE WORD, AND MY SERVANT WILL BE HEALED. Luke 7

Jesus, you don’t have to come to my house, just speak the word and my servant will be healed. Your words carry that level of authority in them, the sickness will leave as soon as you tell it to. He fully recognised Jesus’ authority.

⁹ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’ ¹⁰ Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Luke 7

This man was a Roman soldier, but Jesus acknowledged that his faith was greater than that of the Jews. He may have been a sign of the coming Church, where many would find forgiveness through faith in the Lord. Jesus often chided his own disciples for their little faith, but the soldier understood how authority worked.

I am reminded of a book which I haven’t read for years, ‘The  Believer’s Authority’ by the late Kenneth Hagin. He brought out the importance of knowing who we are as believers in Christ and standing upon our authority.

²⁷ ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’