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Day 2–Jesus Respects Faith

Scripture reading: Matthew 8:13 “And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go, let it be done for you as you have believed.”

A Roman centurion, a military commander over one hundred men, came to Jesus asking for healing for a servant that was paralyzed and suffering at his home. Jesus told him that He would come and heal him. (Matthew 8:5-12) But this centurion spoke a word of faith to Jesus that caused Jesus to marvel and declare the servant healed. This centurion asked Jesus just to speak a command to the affliction and that he understood that the paralysis would leave. The centurion understood authority as he was a man who himself was under authority. Under that authority, he exercised authority over those assigned to his unit. He simply spoke commands and the men obeyed him and did what he commanded.

Jesus marveled at this man’s understanding of authority and his faith in the spoken command of one in authority. He called His followers and proclaimed that this man had greater faith than any He had observed in Israel! Jesus warned the disciples and Jews that only those with genuine faith would enter the kingdom. Some who professed to have faith would lose out of their reward because their faith was not genuine. The centurion was rewarded with Jesus’ simple declaration. He could go on his way knowing that as he had believed, it was already done!

As first responders, we are those under authority of our assigned leaders. We are to obey the commands given to us and work within the established guidelines. If we are in command over an incident or response team, we must give clear instructions and trust those with us to obey. Respecting authority and exercising servant leadership are key elements to help us succeed and respond properly. As believers in Jesus, we are always under His authority. Remembering this and acting in faith on His Word can give us confidence that He will be present with us to fulfill His Word.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for establishing authority and being the Supreme Authority over all authority. Help me to respect those You have placed in authority and cooperate with them. Help me to exercise authority humbly as a servant leader to accomplish Your will. Amen.