What can a hardened Soldier teach me?

“For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.
I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes.” 
Luke 7:8

In Luke 7 is a story about Jesus entering the town of Capernaum, there he was met by a Centurion, a man that is a frontline officer of the Roman Army, who typically commanded 100 to 1,000 infantry and cavalry soldiers.  The Centurion had not come to arrest Jesus, but stand before Jesus for the healing of his servant.  Here was a man who had arose from the rank and file soldier, being proven in battle, stern and hardened by war, and he commanded men in the harsh ways common in those days.


Yet, the Centurion cared for, had compassion for his servant, someone he esteemed more than as mere servant.  The Centurion humbled himself before Jesus, yet, with a bold request of healing for the servant.  Humility of a strong warrior is evident, The Centurion says, “I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (v7). 

Wow!
The Centurion expressed his heart:  Jesus, just say he’s healed, and I know it’s done deal – your word is good!  I have no authority of command over sickness, but you do.  “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’”



What have I learned in the Centurion’s story?

• The Centurion was a man with a tough demeanor, yet he is compassionate.
• The Centurion, in humility, set aside his rank as a ruling conqueror to approach Jesus.
• The Centurion was obedient to a mere word; anything Jesus said would become truth.
• The Centurion exercised humble obedience, the evidence of great faith in Christ. 

The Centurion was a soldier, and no matter the rank, a soldier is obedient, a soldier is a servant, a soldier is compassionate to those he protects and serves, and a soldier lives a life requiring humility and faith in the one appointed over him.  The outer rough and stern shell of a soldier is often turned away from, one misses the fruit inside the soldier – a soldier is much like a pineapple.  Many of us may not look like a soldier, but nonetheless, all must approach Christ Jesus in humble obedience and faithfully receive a mere Word to receive healing, peace, salvation.

In Christ’s service, your soldier,

Owen <><