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March 30th, 2023
Scripture
Devotion
When was the last time you marveled at something? It could be something as simple as the splendor of nature, or seeing an answer to a prayer, or perhaps an improbable sports victory against impossible odds.
There is something that made even Jesus marvel. Jesus, being the very Son of God, the Creator of the universe, through whom all things were made (John 1:3), actually marveled at something in humanity. And that something was faith.
When a Roman centurion, a person who likely would have been considered an enemy of the Jews, asked Jesus to heal his servant, the man recognized the great authority and power Jesus had.
He said, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Luke 7:6-7). He didn’t want to bother Jesus by asking Him to travel to see his servant. He simply believed that if Jesus spoke a mere word, it would be powerful enough to heal the man.
This leads us to today’s verse in Luke 7:9.
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at the man’s faith. He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
The centurion’s faith impressed Jesus so much that Jesus marveled at him. How peculiar that the Son of God would marvel at this gentile’s faith, but He did!
The word used for marvel here is ‘thaumazo’ which we translate as ‘marvel’ or ‘amazed.’ This word is used once more in the Gospels to describe Jesus’ reaction to another instance of faith.
When Jesus preached in the synagogues of Nazareth (Mark 6), His own hometown, the people were offended by Him. In fact, Jesus could do no great miracles there because of their unbelief. It impacted Jesus so much that in Mark 6:6 it says “And He marveled because of their unbelief…” Here again, Jesus marveled at faith, this time at the lack of it!
Our faith is important to God, and it is our faith that will be richly rewarded. The very act of following Christ requires us daily to walk by faith and not by sight. I want to encourage you to grow your faith by trusting God for whatever situation you are facing. Ask God for your needs and place your trust in Him. Don’t forget that faith moves God’s heart, and that He sees you as you put your trust in Him.
Inspirational Image of the Day
