A centurion was a Roman...
Illustration
Object:
A centurion was a Roman, a hated outsider, but some tried to be friends and get along with those he was in charge of. Because of this man's help and support of the Israelis, the Israelis wanted to help him in return. He was trying not to be an enemy. We see stories in the news where our troops in war-torn lands try to be caring and supportive of the people they are there for, even though they are hated as "conquerors" by some. It is a great witness of our faith.
There were some Hindus and those of other religions in Nepal who were not against Christians and even tried to help us. They even put up Christmas trees in their stores for us the last time we were there. This is true of most mission fields. There are even Muslims who are not always out to hurt Christians. We try to help these people when we can. The medical mission in Nepal is for ALL the people! Even those who hate Christians! Those who accept our help are often led to the Lord.
Doctors try to heal those who come to them in Nepal, but there were quite a few there who were healed by prayer alone (confirmed by the doctor). The church was filled with those who had been helped.
The other thing of interest is this high level Roman's concern for his servant. In those days most servants were like slaves. It is true that some servants or even slaves made themselves valuable to their masters. It sometimes built a mutual respect and even affection. This is true of some employees in businesses today. My dad was a tool and die maker who worked himself up in the eyes of his employers so they respected him and honored his skill. He also tried to be friendly so he was treated well. It did more for him than just his union membership.
That soldier recognized that Jesus had authority. He knew about authority, as he had to exercise it. Our doctors were accepted for their authority. The people recognized that some of us Christians also had an authority outside ourselves.
Amazing things happen when we recognize the authority of God!
There were some Hindus and those of other religions in Nepal who were not against Christians and even tried to help us. They even put up Christmas trees in their stores for us the last time we were there. This is true of most mission fields. There are even Muslims who are not always out to hurt Christians. We try to help these people when we can. The medical mission in Nepal is for ALL the people! Even those who hate Christians! Those who accept our help are often led to the Lord.
Doctors try to heal those who come to them in Nepal, but there were quite a few there who were healed by prayer alone (confirmed by the doctor). The church was filled with those who had been helped.
The other thing of interest is this high level Roman's concern for his servant. In those days most servants were like slaves. It is true that some servants or even slaves made themselves valuable to their masters. It sometimes built a mutual respect and even affection. This is true of some employees in businesses today. My dad was a tool and die maker who worked himself up in the eyes of his employers so they respected him and honored his skill. He also tried to be friendly so he was treated well. It did more for him than just his union membership.
That soldier recognized that Jesus had authority. He knew about authority, as he had to exercise it. Our doctors were accepted for their authority. The people recognized that some of us Christians also had an authority outside ourselves.
Amazing things happen when we recognize the authority of God!
