Do You Respect Christ's Authority?

In Matthew 8:5-13, Jesus said He would come and heal the Roman centurion’s servant, but the centurion told Jesus He didn’t need to come. All Jesus had to do was speak the words, and his servant would be healed.

This centurion possessed an excellent understanding of authority due to his military background.

When his superior officers told him to do something, he knew he was compelled to do it. And he trusted that if Jesus ordered sickness to leave his servant's body, it would have to leave. 

 

Instead of respecting those in leadership, our modern culture is more likely to challenge, question, or ignore leaders. 

We may not always respect the values and lifestyles of human leaders, but we're still commanded to treat them with respect, starting with our parents and continuing throughout our lives (Ephesians 6:1-3; Romans 13:1-3; Matthew 28:18; 1 Peter 2:13-16; 1 Peter 5:5; Titus 3:1). 

We must never obey ungodly commands (Acts 4:1-21; Acts 5:27-29). But our attitude toward earthly authority is a reflection of our respect or disrespect for the authority of God's commands.

 

The centurion in Matthew 8 amazed Christ.

So let's do the same by respecting God's authority in every area of our lives, whether He chooses to heal us and free us from difficult circumstances or help us endure these difficulties for His purposes. 

 

💙💙💙 

 

In this particular situation, Christ chose to heal the servant. But we must also trust Christ's authority when He chooses not to heal: 

The Biblical View of Healing

Joni Shares 5 Benefits of Suffering

Wheelchair Miracle

 

If you'd like more insights into human authority:

When to Disobey Authority

Respectfully Saying "No" to Authority

 

 

BLN