We will be continuing our series in Luke this Sunday. Jesus finished the Beatitudes in Luke 6. I appreciated Scott’s treatment of Luke 6 which he entitled “The Blessed Life”. Scott’s message was a timely reminder as to the life that God blesses as opposed to the life our world strives for. This week we will look at a Roman centurion who asks Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus is en-route to his house and the centurion says, “I don’t deserve to have you under my roof.” This is an interesting contrast to the Jewish elders who say to Jesus the centurion “deserves” to have you heal his servant. I have entitled the message “Faith & Authority”. Jesus applauds the centurion’s faith. What is Jesus applauding in the centurion? The centurion believes Jesus can heal his servant. The centurion’s outlook on authority that he derives from his military experience is fascinating and has many spiritual insights. In a nutshell our “take-aways” might look like this. Our Triune God has all authority and power in heaven and earth. We can acknowledge that authority or we can falsely assume we are a “law unto ourselves”. Someone once said, “nobody really breaks God’s laws we just break ourselves as we ignore what God has said.” Satan is the author of lies, confusion, chaos and destruction. His goal is to undermine God’s kingdom and bring disorder into people’s lives. The genesis of Satan’s chaos began when Adam & Eve disobeyed God’s instructions and listened to Satan. God’s authority was ignored and Adam & Eve were expelled from a sinless environment where they enjoyed a “face to face” relationship with God. God’s authority involves what He knows is best for our lives. God’s heart is for our well being. Our well being is found in union with God through the work of Calvary and the Presence of the Holy Spirit. He is infinite and eternal. We are created and temporal. Trusting God and following His commands is the best way to live. But often we think we have a better idea. Come out Sunday and let’s study Luke 7 together.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew
