Today's message comes from Matthew 8:9 - 10
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
It is often overlooked but every book in the New Testament has something in common. Each book is set in a Roman controlled environment. As each author of each book took pen to paper, Rome was in control from Matthew to Revelations. Romans were the ones that seized Jesus and were there at the cross when He was crucified. They were even there when John the Beloved was exiled and was given the book of Revelations. The bible records 7 different Roman Centurions. Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army. Today's message focuses on one of those Centurions. The Centurion had two different positions. One was submissive and one was authoritative. He had authority but also was under authority. We too are submissive to our bosses, parents, coaches, teachers, etc..... Most importantly we are supposed to be submissive to God. Like this Centurion though, we also have huge responsibilities and are authoritative at home or at work. Children and duties within our paying jobs are a lot of responsibility.
David was said to be a man after God's own heart. David answered to God even when he fell short or shamed himself. He realized he was a man under higher authority and respected it. Fear of God and higher authority is what is missing in today's world. In our scripture for today (Matthew 8:9 - 10) this Centurion is publicly proclaiming he has a boss to answer to. Don't we all? We all work for someone who controls our financial stability. They hold such weight in their hands. If we fail to answer to that authority we risk losing our stability and jobs. However; there is a higher authority that we must answer to. God ultimately is our only authority.
John 4:34 says:
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
It is God's work we are all here to do. We should not only be submissive to our bosses, teachers, parents, etc.... but do it with understanding that God is the ultimate authority we must answer to.
Matthew 6:24 says:
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Sometimes we find ourselves answering more to the physical authorities of the Earth rather than God's authority. We forget that we have a higher calling and have responsibilities as Christians that often go unanswered and unfulfilled because of our physical jobs.
Matthew 10:28 says:
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
We are to fear God more than any of our Earthly authorities. How many of you give your all to your Christian responsibilities? When was the last time you heard someone take the Lord's name in vain and you just turned away to ignore it? Do people know you are a Christian from your words and actions? If God is your authority and you believe that, he gives us instructions to follow and responsibilities as Christians. God gave us all talents and we have a responsibility to use them.
If you can't bow before the throne you will never stand before the throne. Are you a faithful disciple? That Centurion was dedicated to his job and his responsibilities. Funny how God uses the most unusual people or circumstances to teach a lesson. This is one of those times. Shouldn't we be just as dedicated to our ultimate authority and our Christian responsibilities as that Centurion was to his authority and his responsibilities as a Centurion in the Roman army? Are you allowing the world to see you as a Christian through your words, actions, and heart?
In John 8: 30 - 36 Jesus tells us how to be faithful disciples:
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Centurions, like the one we read about today, were known to be the backbone of the Roman army. We as Christians should be the backbone of God's army. Sadly, many Christians lack backbone and have become lazy in our Christian walk. Let this Centurion's dedication change your dedication to your own responsibilities. Get involved. Resolve to spend more time with God and giving of your talents. Dedicate yourself to fighting in God's army. Stand up for what you believe in. Will you be a faithful disciple?
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