Amazing Faith

Jesus in his short time on earth here was "shocked" by the faith of two individuals. Now I know that Jesus in his divinity is omniscient (all-knowing) but yet in his humanity he expressed amazement at both a Samaritan woman’s faith and a Gentile soldier’s faith in him. What is so interesting to me about this is that our Lord expressed amazement in the Apostles’ lack of believing faith. "How long have I been with you Peter and you still don’t know who I am?" And further, "O ye of little faith" (Matthew 6:30).

What provoked Jesus to utter these words to a Canaanite woman who was hounding him and annoying his disciples day after day? "O woman, great is thy faith" (Matthew 15:28). And to the Centurion, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel" (Matthew 8:10). Why did Jesus not have these words for his disciples who gave up everything to follow him?!

This is a unique glimpse into the heart of our Lord. What caused Jesus to answer their request? This I believe is the answer. They both expressed that Jesus was God, addressing him as "Lord". Their boldness, their unworthiness, their perseverance, their concern for others and not for themselves and their humility — these are what moved Jesus to say "I have not seen so great faith in all Israel." Both confessed Jesus as Lord, admitting he was divine, both approached him boldly while subjecting themselves to much criticism and they were selfless in their concern for others. Both confessed their total unworthiness — the Canaanite woman: "Yes, I am a dog but even the dogs get scraps from the master’s table"; the centurion: "Lord, I am not worthy." Both persevered — the woman hounded Jesus day and night; the centurion persevered with reasoning. Both approached Jesus with great humility.

So what is the meaning for you and me in these dramatic episodes? First of all that the love of God goes over all genders, races, social standings and all income levels. Whether you are in poverty, the middle class or among the elite; whether you are black, white, very high status or a social outcast, his saving redemptive and sovereign love extends to all his elect.

So what must we do to secure and realize his favor? Oh man, whoever you are, take a lesson from the Canaanite woman and the centurion. Call on Jesus, expressing he is God, pursue him boldly, selflessly, relentlessly and with perseverance. Come to him in humility and express your unworthiness. Bear your heart! He will come to you, forgive your sin, perform the miracle or regeneration, lift you high, give you purpose and give you grace to persevere in your mission for him.

Oh Christian! Are you feeling locked into routine-ism? Just going along in your Christian life? Break out! Bear your soul before God in humility, selflessness and relentlessly pursue him for your purpose and mission in life. He will answer you! Guaranteed. "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6). How do we get him near to us? God cannot resist an open heart coming boldly and persistently in humility with a request to be like him with purpose and mission. The Canaanite woman and the centurion proved it so. They both had great satisfaction, peace and restoration in their lives and you will have it too! "Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door will be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7). VINCIT OMNIA VERITAS – The truth conquers everything.

Respond to this blog at coach@chapelfield.org and Coach will send you or a friend (at no cost to you) a copy of his latest book "Not Your Own" in which he presents the purpose and mission for each Christian life.

W.H. (Coach) Spanjer

Solo Christo gloria

Friday’s blog: “Common Sense Lost”