LUKE 7:1-17 GOD HONORS FAITH The conclusion of the Lord's teaching which was heard by all those gathered, though it was directed to the disciples, marked a turning point in the account of Jesus' ministry. He included the Gentiles in His public ministry when He responded to the need of a centurion's servant. The servant was a very important person to the Roman centurion who was a man of integrity in his words and benevolent deeds. The Jewish elders considered him a worthy man because he had endeared himself to them by building them a synagogue. His opinion of himself was that he was neither competent, sufficient nor worthy of the Lord's presence at his home or for him to come into the Lord's presence. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Whatever was in the man's background, he had true faith in the Person and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord could see beyond the words and opinions of the elders of the Jews, and could see beyond the words of the friends of the centurion who were close to him. "Man, looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart." The Lord Jesus' opinion of the man was that he had remarkable faith that surpassed those who should have believed on Him. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not only saving faith, but it puts the true believer in a place where the on-going blessing of God can be shown. When our faith in God is real, God is pleased to act on our behalf as He sees fit and we will be content to leave the outcome to His sovereign will.
One who is in authority is one who is under authority. To submit to rule and to be accountable to one higher, allows one the right to exercise authority. The life of the Lord Jesus was always one that "pleased the Father." There is evidence of order, submission and accountability when one with poise, dignity and respect for others and one's own self, is intact in the life they live. The station in the social life of the Lord Jesus Christ wasn't what moved the centurion to request help of the Savior. The authority he could demand of his soldiers did not stir him to call for help. It was the assurance that the Lord could do what he asked if He was willing to. The Lord was willing to go at the request of the elders of the Jews. At the confession of the centurion through the words of his friends, the Lord was willing to act immediately and heal the servant. He did not need to say a word to the men or go any farther with them. With "all power in heaven and earth" His own, the Lord acted with the authority of His omnipotence. He marveled at the evidence of true belief in this centurion. He marveled at the unbelief of others in another situation. There is a certain kind of honor and glory when faith in Christ is evident. That faith is often first seen when a lost soul comes to Christ for salvation. Then it is further seen when believers without hesitation act at the directives of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
In this display of faith, we learn the Lord Jesus goes beyond the barriers people raise up for one reason or another, and acts in blessing to "all that call upon Him out of a pure heart." "In every nation, he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted by Him." We too should not allow man-made divisions to hinder the work of faith to which we have been called. In faith we trust God to do His will through us as it pleases Him.
At another place some distance away, and another time, the Lord again shows the power and authority that is His. Only this time it wasn't over the daunting enemy of disease, but the last great enemy of death. Two groups of people near Nain came together, one coming to the city and the other coming out of the city and they meet together. One group has the gladness of being with the Lord, and the other with the sadness of death on their faces. When the Lord saw the widowed mother weeping, He immediately went to her even though He knew what He would do for her. He has compassion for the living who sorrow and gave her the opportunity to respond in faith to His words, "Weep not." The words that promote faith came first, then the action bringing blessing, followed.
In stopping that funeral procession, the Lord took authority over the most fearful area of life for most people. How can one control the power of death? It is impossible unless One who holds the key of life and death chooses to use that key. The Lord did not have to shout to reach the place where the soul and spirit was of the young man who had lived in that body. The authority of His dominion extends beyond the power of death to where the departed ones are. The Lord has the authority to command the spirits of men wherever they are, to obey His voice. In tender compassion He spoke appropriate words when he said, "Young man, I say unto thee, Arise." By designating that one person, only the one addressed came again into the body in which he had previously lived. This was not the call to resurrection that will empty the graves of all believing saints at His coming. This was an act of testimony to indicate the value of faith in Christ to all those who lived there. When He kindly and graciously took that young man back to his mother and "delivered him" to her, it was proof that "God hath visited His people."
The "rumor" was really a report of all that "Jesus began to do and teach" while He was ministering to the people during those years of public observation. As a result of those things He did there grew an understanding of who He is that led people to either put their faith in Him, or seek to avoid, ignore or get rid of Him. There is conviction that follows that follows evidence of God working. Then one must come to the decision to either place full trust in Him or denying Him. There is no place for middle ground when it comes to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is obvious even today, that when a work of grace takes place in a person, there is the challenge to accept this as a work of God, or coincidence sometimes called "luck." People who are awakened and honest, have to admit that God is at work in the lives of people. That deserves our praise, honor and thanksgiving to bring glory to God.
These are not coincidental matters, there is evidence to see - God has been working His will and would have us all to be People who put our faith in the One who never fails, And commit ourselves to walk in light with all that act entails.
It means that I trust Him to do whatever He thinks is right. It means that I commit to serve Him even in what is hidden from sight. There can be no half-measures when putting faith in Him. It means I confidently do His will, because what is not of faith is sin.
I don't know what may come next in the service I'm called to do. I may never know the outcome until after my life is through. But when by faith I live and follow where He does lead - I am sure that God is glorified when to His will I heed.
Some things go together like faith and works which blend. Grace and mercy too have the glory of God as their final end. When these were seen in Jesus, during His ministry on earth - It gave to the testimony of His words, support of greatest worth.
The same holds true today when I am called to speak for God. He hasn't given me miracles to perform, but in the attitude I hold - There is from within my heart and soul evidence that can be seen. That in turn gives authority to my words and what they mean.
It is something to be highly prized when I am confident That in what I say and do, consistency is evident. To have one's word to be trusted, and motives without guile - Has far more value than skillful words or a face with a broad smile.
Constant and righteous living that cannot be ignored - Has a value that remains, when dramatic living is abhorred. A light that can't be hidden has a value all its own. We may not realize it now, but will when we get home.
"Gracious Father, please accept my thanks for letting me get in a few words of faith and testimony in the conversation this morning. May we all be conscious of Thy presence with us, and not be divisive people. How pleasant it is to be able to share in common our faith in Christ. May it have value to those who look on. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."