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cavell -> Under Authority? (6/29/2008 8:57:18 AM)
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I also am a man under authority - Luke 7 : 8
This centurion seems to be rather unusual for a Roman soldier - unusually tolerant, "he loves our nation", the Jewish leaders said about him. He is unusually generous "he built us a synagogue" they said. But most surprising of all, unusually humble. "Do not trouble further sir, it is not for me to have you under my roof......... But what Jesus found unusual about him was his faith. "Nowhere, not even in Israel have I found faith like this" said Jesus
He had said that he believed that Jesus could heal from a distance, just as easily as if he were near. But that was'nt what made his faith remarkable. It was his understanding of the person and the authority of Jesus. "I also am a man under authority" the A.V. says.
"I know for in my position I am myself under orders, with soldiers under me". "I say to one 'Go' and he goes, and to another 'Come' and he comes, and to my servant 'do this' and he does it, is the New English Bible translation.
As an army officer he had authority because he was under authority. He recognized that Jesus lived by the same principle. Jesus said himself "I came not to do my will, but the will of him that sent me"
"I too am under orders" the soldier said...... Under whose orders are you?
To be a Christian means to be under the orders, under the authority of Jesus Christ. When we call him Lord this is what we acknowledge: His right to rule and reign in our heart. For many this comes as a crucial experience, a deliberate yielding of one's self completely to Jesus Christ: and then every day living in a way that pleases him
Paradoxically, but truly, this way of obedience to Jesus is the way to freedom and joy.
Make me a captive Lord, and then I shall be free,
Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conquerer be
I sink in life's alarms. when by myself I stand
Imprison me within thine arms and strong shall be my hand
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