Issuing Orders

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Matthew 8:8-9 – The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just 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." (NIV)

I'm currently reading a series of biographical books: Great Generals. I've finished two books on General Patton and General Grant and am now reading a book about General Eisenhower. All three of them were called on to make major leadership decisions that principally affected the outcome of the battles and wars that they were facing. All three of them knew how important that training and discipline were to keep their armies fighting for victory. Each of them knew the critical value of issuing clear and precise orders in order for their military strategies to succeed.

It seems to me that the centurion who approaches Jesus for help is also a like-minded soldier. He knows his place and understands precisely what he requires. He wants his faithful servant to be healed by Jesus. He knows that Christ has this power and authority at His disposal, so he makes the request personally and fully believes that all Jesus has to do is to speak the word of command and his servant will be cured. It's an incredible act of faith!

Matthew 8:10 – When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." (NIV)

The soldier submits to Christ's authority and awaits His command. He is ready to carry out whatever orders Jesus gives; he is ready to believe all that Christ has to say.

For such faith, the ailing servant, who is at home, is instantly healed when Jesus pronounces it. When the centurion returns to his house, he finds his faithful and beloved servant completely cured. It's a remarkable event, and it reminds us of Christ's power and compassion.

Wherever we are today and whatever we are facing, let's approach Jesus with the same confidence about His power and compassion. Let's take time to ask Him for help and to seek His blessing. Let us be soldiers and servants of Christ who faithfully follow Him.

Point to ponder: What help do I require from Jesus today? Am I willing to approach Him faithfully and humbly with my request?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are our Commander-in-Chief and the King of this world. Help us to serve You faithfully and to seek Your guidance humbly. Enable us to follow Your orders and to spread Your gospel with faith, hope, and love. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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1 thought on “Issuing Orders”

  1. Thanks for the good word, John.

    Your devotional today was very helpful and articulated very nicely. Thank you, John.

    We pray with faith. Jesus’ answer can be Yes, No and wait – Patience, Hope, very important.

    Thank you, John, for this wonderful writing. It was so interesting as you shared your analogy of the Generals.

    This pericope always amazes me, John. Total blind faith matched with meek humbleness from a person in authority is rare. Blessings.

    Thanks, John, for another of your special devotionals. Yes, we really must honour our loving Lord for all His loving care of us. He is ever deserving of our faithfulness as His answers to our prayers are always for the right outcome for our future. Blessings for your interesting and positive writings.

    Hi John,
    It is so nice to see you writing on the Presbycan Daily Devotional again. I have always enjoyed your devotionals and after losing a 17-year-old grandson to suicide just over a year ago, I do still have those times when I need to step back and let God lift me up again. I Need Thee every Hour comes to mind often.
    Bless you in your ministry.

    Good morning, John,
    Your message today is really important that we “approach Him faithfully and humbly with my request”. I have never liked the word “orders”, but I do understand that they are necessary in some circumstances like war, a major disaster, or a fire. I do believe in the importance of having good leadership in our lives. I think I must have a little rebel in me, and it comes out when I hear the word “orders”.
    Thanks for sharing your insight from the great generals and the passage in the Bible which shows the centurion’s great faith in Jesus. For me, I can have great faith in God, yet I do have some trouble obeying those requests. I pray that God will help me in following His guidance better.
    Thanks for sharing and may you continue to inspire others. Blessings.

    Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.

    Thank you, John. It’s good to have you back.
    With my vision deteriorating, I listen to books and have time to read some at least twice.
    May our Lord bless you and keep you in His loving care.

    Yours really struck home with my husband, a former Scots Guardsman.
    Many blessings on you, your family, and ministry!
    (BC Canada)

    Thanks for sharing.
    (Ontario)

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