Faith in Obedience
/“But say the word, and my servant will be healed. …For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
- Luke 7:7-8
If you have not read “The Danger of Invisibility” as a precursor to the next 5 devotions, you can read it here.
Who do you want to talk with (besides Christ) when you get to heaven? Peter walked on water. Paul was knocked off his ass (donkey) by a blinding light and the voice of Christ. Moses walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. David slew Goliath. Enoch walked with God and never died. Of all the Biblical greats, one that I want to talk with was a simple Roman Centurion never named, and who never even met Jesus.
In Mathew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, we read this extraordinary account of a man who’s faith God acknowledged. Jesus saw him, even though they never met in person. His servant was “sick and ready to die.” The centurion sent elders of the Jews to plead with Jesus to save his servant. Jesus agrees to go with them for this purpose. However, when Jesus was approaching the house, the centurion sent other friends to Him with his words and said, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7)
He then explains how he is a man under command and in command. He simply gives the order and people do it. So, he knows if Jesus will give the command for healing, it will be done.
Jesus marveled at this and said, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)
I want to meet that man who had such faith in obedience.
Most of us are desperate for a sign. We want to feel the closeness of God. We desperately long for His presence here with us in this moment and every moment. We waver in any situation where we feel distant or alone. Yet, here is a man who understands authority. He understands the power of commands. And he puts his full trust in those commands.
He has the faith, first, to make an appeal to Christ (a prayer). And, second, to believe unwavering whatever Christ says will be done, whether Jesus is present or not. His word is enough.
The centurion was seen by God through his faith. He was not invisible even though he was physically removed. And his faith led to his servant’s healing.
I struggle with obedience, especially when I feel distant from my Lord. Which is why I long to meet a man who’s faith in obedience was unshakable. I have a lesson to learn from his example. Jesus said to those who requested signs, that signs would never be enough. He also said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
I long to walk in faith that fully believes, trusts and obeys the words of Christ, whether I feel His presence or not. A faith in obedience that unwavering accepts His Word. He desires to work greatly through your life; “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
The only thing that can hinder that truth is when we feel invisible to God, and lack faith in His Word. What a lesson we can learn from the Roman Centurion; “But say the word,” …and it will be done!
Know you are seen. Know you are loved. Know God’s Word. Know it will be done.
© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.
