DOES JESUS MARVEL AT YOU?

All things are possible to him who believes.  Mark 9:23

A study of the New Testament clearly shows that simple, sincere faith and trust in God and His Word is absolutely necessary to: 1) Be saved from our sins (Ephesians 2:8-9), 2) Please God (Hebrews 11:6) and 3) Live the Christian life (Romans 1:17).  While Jesus Christ was here on earth, He consistently encountered both faith and unbelief in response to His claims and power.  He praised folks for their faith (Matthew 15:28) and rebuked others for their lack of it (Mark 4:40).  We all have the capacity to trust the Lord.  The question is whether we will or not.

In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion pleads with Christ concerning his paralyzed, tormented servant.  Even though the Savior offered to come and heal him, the Roman humbly urges Him to simply “just say the word” right then and there to heal his servant.  He relates that like Jesus he himself is a man who gives commands to his soldiers to “Go!”, “Come” or “Do this!” and gets solid results (vv. 8-9).  Curiously, when the Son of God hears this request, He marvels saying, “I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel” (vs. 10).  It’s like He’s amazed saying, “That’s remarkable!” or “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”  Jesus rewarded the centurion’s faith by healing his servant at that very moment!

I have to ask myself, “Does Christ marvel at my faith and trust in Him or shake His head at my periods of doubt and unbelief?  Am I truly trusting Him to keep His promises, meet all my needs and use me to make an eternal difference in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike or am I not really expecting God to do anything out of the ordinary? What about you?  Let’s imitate the faith of the Roman centurion.  Is Jesus marveling at you today?  I trust it’s because of your faith in Him! 

Bob Kulp