Two Amazing Scenes
Scene 1 – Abraham and Sarah are in their tent in the desert living their normal, monotonous lives. Abraham looks up and sees three strangers. In the Bedouin tradition of hospitality, he is quick to greet them and offer them rest and sustenance. He provides them with water for drinking as well as cleansing and urges his wife and servants to prepare a fine meal for his guests. Thereupon, he himself waits on the three strangers in the shade of a tree while they eat.
One of the strangers then states very confidently that Sarah will be cradling a son when they pass by in a year. Sarah, who had overheard this prediction, scoffed to herself! She thought how impossible this suggestion was, considering her age and condition of her body as well as her husband’s.
Abraham and Sarah have no idea that their “guests” are actually angels. Sarah cannot comprehend how these men can prophesy that she will bear a child in her old age. She is UNBELIEVING.
Scene 2 – A centurion approaches Jesus and appeals to Him to heal his servant. The servant is lying at home, and suffering considerably of paralysis. This Roman military official who is a pagan, showed tremendous humility. H said he was not worthy for the Lord to enter his home. However, he expressed great faith and belief in Jesus in begging him to “only say the word and my servant will be healed”.
Jesus was so amazed by this centurion’s faith! He remarked: “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
Believe in the Power
The centurion, being a commander of men, understands the power of words. He is used to giving commands and having them obeyed. He has become aware that Jesus has a special power. The centurion BELIEVES that one word from Our Lord is all that is necessary to heal someone. He may even be miles away.
Let us show Jesus that we have the same kind of faith as the centurion. BELIEVE in the healing power of God to grant our many petitions. They may seem impossible to us, but not for Him.
As it says in Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
