Daily Devotional for Monday, January 19

Jesus Rewarded an Officer

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel,” Luke 7:9.

At the time of this writing, wildfires were raging in the Los Angeles area of California. Sadly, several communities were destroyed by the blazes, and unfortunately, lives were lost. One of the areas affected most by these fires was the Pacific Palisades community. Although it is recognized as one of the most affluent areas in America, the fires did not appreciate its affluence, and much of that community was destroyed. This place was home to many famous and wealthy people, and losses were estimated in the millions. Sadly, the fire and its victims became fodder for social media, because many people felt that this tragedy received more extensive coverage because of the social status and fame of many of the homeowners.

If the centurion from our text was alive today, he might be one of those Pacific Palisades residents. He certainly would have been politically and socially relevant. He was influential and popular. As a military leader, he had a unit of men serving under him. But based on what we see in the Scriptures, his influence far exceeded his military service. When this man’s representatives approached the Lord, they told Him “That he was worthy for whom he should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue” (verses 4, 5). Remarkably, he did not seek special treatment because of his military or social status. He was humble (verse 6), and recognized Jesus’s authority (verses 7, 8). His belief in Jesus resulted in the servant being healed (verse 10).

JUST A THOUGHT

As children of God, we need to recognize and submit to the authority of Jesus and the will of God.

Chris Floyd