Acknowledging the Command Structure

Scripture: That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. Luke 7:7-8

Observation: The Roman centurion in Capernaum is interesting, both as a man who is noble enough to aid this small Jewish town with his resources, and how he interacts with Jesus. His own description of their interaction is a little confusing, but what he does is declare that, since he understands how command structures work, he does not dare to give Jesus instructions.

The centurion himself receives orders from the place of authority, and these orders are often sent from some remote command post. He then he orders individuals to act. He believes Jesus is his superior, so it is not permitted that he would then even ask Jesus to take a course of action. Instead, he only hopes Jesus - as the source of authority - will send remote orders to the disease inflicting his servant, and in some way that command will be enacted and obeyed within his servant.

Jesus is amazed by the centurion's faith, and this amazement extends to his understanding of the authority of God. Indeed, Jesus can give orders, even from a remote place. The Spirit can then enact those orders within a person and command the body and mind to be healed. The centurion might not even fully understand what he is declaring, but what he does understand is that Jesus is the supreme commander, and somehow everything here on earth must obey him.

Application: This might best describe the challenge we all have in interacting with Jesus, both us believers today and the Jews in the time of Jesus ... we want to give orders.

When I pray, I feel like I am "asking" God for his guidance and mercy and forgiveness and love, but other times it comes across more like instructions at best. I want the Lord to do certain things here on earth, or in my life, or for my family.

I know the Lord rules all of heaven and earth, that his purposes will be done on earth, and he has a perfect plan. I want to walk within his plan and obey his purposes. However, that means I must listen to his orders, and not declare my own commands. Yes, I make requests, but I need to remember that I am a man under authority ... I am under the Lord's authority. He is my commander. Related to my life, my community, my family, my work, my country, and my actions, if I make suggestions, he makes decisions and gives me instructions.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to listen more for your commands, and I know that all things obey you. Please, may your Spirit that dwells in me grow louder and stronger so that I may hear him as your centurion that rules over me, your servant who you love. Amen.