Of Faith and Obedience to the Lord

(Read Luke 7:1-10) 

⁹When 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.  ¹⁰And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. -Luke 7:9, 10 (KJV) 

If you love dogs as much as I do you will understand how every once in a while, maybe even once a lifetime, you have the privilege of owning what I call your “dream dog.”  This is the dog you always wanted because he or she is obedient, loyal, and because of the dog’s good nature does not require much in the way of discipline.  For 10 years we as a family were blessed with just such a dog.  Jenny was the dog I had always wanted.  She was a pound rescue collie mix of varying breeds, and she devoted her life to showing her gratitude for our having taken her in. 

One of Jenny’s strengths, among others, was her natural obedience.  I could take her for walks without a leash (I did keep the leash handy, however, as I didn’t want to run afoul of the authorities), she would attend little league games with us and she would lie quietly in the grass beside my chair, and she maintained an attitude which I can only describe as humble.  Sadly, Jenny passed away from complications from lung cancer in December of 2008.  Yes, dogs can indeed get lung cancer. 

When Jesus learned of the faith of the Roman Centurion who had requested that Jesus heal his servant the Lord was amazed.  The Centurion told Jesus how he understood what authority meant.  Authority means you tell someone to do something and he does it.  You say to one “go” and he goes.  You say to another “come” and he comes at your bidding –  without question.  The Centurion told Jesus that He indeed possessed such authority to heal.  “…but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed (v 7).”  So great was the Centurion’s faith that he knew all Jesus had to do was give the command and it would be done. 

Jesus then explained how He had not seen such great faith in all Israel.  The Lord then gave the word and the servant was healed.  This is an example of true faith.  Let us posses such strong and unquestioning faith in Christ.  When the Lord calls us let’s be ready to go.  When He bids us come to Him let’s be ready to do what He tells us. 

Are you listening for the Lord’s call today?  When he calls will you obey?  Do so and blessings and spiritual wonders will follow.