---------------------------------------------
Msg #582 Wed, November 11, 2009
To subscribe to these weekly devotions,
send an email to:
eedify@calvaryroswell.com
---------------------------------------------
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Luke 7:9)
Today…on Veteran’s Day let us learn some lessons from a good soldier. Consider this Roman soldier which caused Jesus to “marvel” at his faith.
A good soldier cares about others.
a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. (Luke 7:2)
We see a glimpse into the heart of this man and we see that he cares about those who serve with him. What brings this whole event to pass is not a selfish concern, but a concern for a servant. In our world and military, we could easily consider this a picture of a subordinate to this man. Again, the emphasis is that this good soldier cares about those beneath him.
A good soldier does good for others
And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” (Luke 7:4-5)
This man cared more than just about his small military world. It is an easy thing for such to care only about their position, their people and the military they represent. But this man was a good solider that was a blessing on the community that he served in.
A good soldier is a humble man.
they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving … the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. (Luke 7:4-6)
The Jews asked Jesus to heal this man’s servant because they felt he was deserving, that he was worthy. Yet, wonderfully, as we see this man’s heart he has no such feelings. He is conscious of how unworthy he is of the Lord’s touch and presence. Truly this man has a wonderful humility.
A good soldier is a man of faith
But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And 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.” (Luke 7:7-8)
Perhaps it was part of his world that he was able to see Jesus authority and power better than others. He saw the authority of Jesus and believed if Jesus would just say the world his servant would be healed. It was this faith that caused Jesus to marvel, saying that among the Jews He had not found such faith.
Today, on Veteran’s Day, we recognize there are many good solders. We are not so ignorant to believe that every soldier rises to the character of this Centurion, but we also recognize that many do. The life of a soldier can often bring out the best in one…and help him or her to be a good soldier – caring, doing good, humble and a person of faith.
Today, on Veterans Day, I want to say thank you to the Veterans. To all those who read this who have served faithfully in the military – thank you! I want to say thank you to all the families who have born the cost of such service – we honor you. Today, like those in this account, I am going to Jesus and asking for Him to bless you, touching those areas that need is standing out to you.
Today, on Veteran’s Day, I ask all who read this to join me in prayer. Perhaps it is the task these are called to, perhaps the lessons learned of honor, sacrifice and authority – but the spiritual harvest among soldiers is worthy of our notice. Here in this account, it was a soldier that amazed Jesus and caused Him to recognize his faith as greater than so many in Israel. In Acts10, it would be another soldier who would be the first Gentile convert to Christianity. Perhaps because of the task, their training, their sacrifice and more…many soldiers come to faith in Christ…and when they do, they do so often more powerfully than an average person. They become a people of great faith and great prayer. Today, let us pray for our Veterans that God would draw more to Himself!
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:10-11)
Jim
-----------------------------------
Wanna Blog??? Have questions or want to comment on this edification? You can do so at the E-edify Blog. Go to http://eedify.wordpress.com/
Subscribe??? If you'd like to subscribe or unsubscribe to this list, e-mail us at eedify@calvaryroswell.com
|
