THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 7:1-10
“I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)
The church is a place where we expect many people have great faith.
And yet, as an ‘insider’, I know this is not always true.
I’m not sure why, but I find my share of sceptics and doubters in church too.
I’ve also learned that there is great faith outside the church.
Great faith, like the centurion, not based on doctrine but on trust.
This centurion did not know Who Jesus was, or what he represented.
He was an ‘outsider’, he was a pagan – granted, a good one!
In my ‘Crossroads’ years, I met many people like this.
Their understanding of Jesus was limited, but their simple trust was not.
Its OK to struggle, but we need to be honest about that struggle.
And don’t look down on ‘outsiders’, we can learn from them too.
Jesus is God’s only way of salvation, but the churched are not the only saved.
Jesus has sheep that are not from our flock, He loves them too.
We may one day be shocked that they had greater faith than we did!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for showing me that Your family is bigger than my group. And thank You for reminding me to look to others for examples of great faith!
A Roman soldier asking for healing of a slave? Unheard of. Slaves were property and did what their master said. Slaves were treated poorly but this soldier loved his slave. So much so that this soldier did the unbelievable, the unexpected – went out of his comfort zone, and approached Jesus. He wanted his slave to be healed. This man of faith wanted Jesus to heal his servant despite what all those around him would say or think. Faith in action.
I too need to stand up for Jesus, willing to suffer the negative comments of others. And in my walk of faith I need to rely upon Him as I serve those around me.
Come to the Savior, all,
Whate’er your burdens be;
Hear now His loving call,
“Cast all your care on Me.”
Come, and for ev’ry grief
In Jesus you will find
A sure and safe relief,
A loving Friend and kind.