For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:9-10)
The faith of the Centurion who came to Jesus, imploring Him to heal his servant was highly commented by Jesus. What has impressed Jesus so much? I believe it is not merely faith in the God powerful that moved Jesus into performing this healing miracle, but the recognising of the authority of Jesus.
There is a difference between authority and power. Power is the ability to perform a task. Authority is the permission or right to use that power. Jesus being the Son of God, has heaven authority to use miracle working power. Earthly authority enables us to perform tasks on earth in a natural way. Heavenly authority enables us to perform tasks on earth in a supernatural way. Jesus holds authority both in heaven and earth. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18b) While mankind is able to muster all the God-given abilities to perform tasks on earth in a natural way – through science, management and administrative skills, cognitive reasonings, organizational skills, etc. However, when the tasks before us are beyond our natural abilities, gifting and talents, we need supernatural abilities and powers. For this reason (partly, at least), I believe, many people, adults and children alike, enjoy movies and stories about superheroes. Because they open up possibilities to overcome with super powers, powers beyond the natural.
The Centurion in Matthew Chapter 8 obviously was faced with a situation beyond the natural confines. He may have exhausted all known means to cure his sick servant. In desperation, he turned to Jesus. He knew whom he has put his trust in, not a mere fellow human being, but the Son of God – who has the right or permission to invoke heaven power to heal beyond natural means. His faith was in the person or identity of Jesus, not just His power. Because the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, holds the authority to perform healing supernaturally.
Today, you may be faced with a situation beyond your natural abilities. You may have exhausted all known means to overcome the situation, but to no avail. Be encouraged. Turn your eyes on and put your faith in Jesus, the Son of God and His authority to move mountains. Speak, in the Name of Jesus, to the mountain before you. Expect Jesus who holds heaven authority to take you on a mountain moving journey!
Prayer Focus