Matthew 8:8-9 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 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.

As many of you know we have begun a study of the Miracles of Jesus with a specific focus on the people Jesus did miracles for. The reason for this is so;

We remember God is not a respecter of persons, neither should we be
We all begin to expect God to do the same for us, no matter who we are.

Jesus is such a blessing to read about because He was as much human as He was God. That may seem like a contradiction but scripture is clear about that fact. If you wonder why God chose to save us this way, consider how often we think God could never love us. How many times we feel unworthy of anything but the just payment for our sins. God had a better idea, and none of it was because of what we deserved, it was all because of who He is!

The miracle of salvation, in all of its various forms, is a reality because it was what GOD wanted to do. It was strictly and completely because He wills it. Because of this, you should know that only a loving God could purpose to do what He did, when we do not deserve it. And He did it for each and every one of us.

The miracle of salvation, in all of its various forms, is a reality because it was what GOD wanted to do.

If He was willing to do it for each and every one of us, then consider how we should treat one another? Is there a lesson in the miracles for how God sees and deals with us as individuals? I believe there is. 

Let's take the Centurion, the man who had a profound understanding of the lordship of Jesus because he understood his own role and the authority given to him as an occupying ruler. Yes, the Romans were the harsh lords over the Jewish people, so some might say they deserved nothing from God. Jesus knew otherwise. Not only did this man demonstrate understanding of spiritual realities but he also showed great faith. Jesus said so. 

You see, God establishes all authority and does not repent of doing so, even when men are do evil in those roles, God will still honor two things; 1) their humanity, and 2) their humility. This Centurion, as an occupying commander, still did good for the people of God. This demonstrates his humanity. He knew that there was a God above and that God must be a ruler above even him. This demonstrated his humility. His understanding of God's authority helped him receive honor and blessing even in his role as oppressor. A role that we would consider an "evil" one. 

God has a way of looking past the trappings of our professions and stations in life, and if you show Him your heart, He will bless you according to it. Shall we not follow suit? Rebellion never pleases God and it leads to future atrocities. When we see evil, the first thing we should do is pray to the highest authority there is, trusting Him to deal with the issues in positions of authority. Then and only then can we follow His lead.

Our Confession in Prayer!

Join us in the following prayer of unity before God:

"We acknowledge that you have established all authority under heaven. Your word tells us that the rain falls upon the just and the wicked. You also tell us that in fact you have no favorites and you deal with each of us equally. You are not a respecter of persons, so you love us all. Help us to model that understanding even when men do evil things and we are set at odds with one another. 

Lord, help us to keep the spirit of unity within the body of Christ, through the bond of peace. Help us to walk out your great call to be peacemakers, with our feet shod in the preparation of the gospel of reconciliation. Help us to wash our own hearts and hands of sin as we show compassion to those we consider our adversaries. God, please hear our prayers for peace and unity even in the face of evil, so that we remain a force for blessing and peace in our nation.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!"