GREAT FAITH

GREAT FAITH Luke 7:9  When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

To begin with Brothers and sisters, Christian Friends, Well Wishers, and Saints of God as we observe the example of having Great Faith. I want to encourage us to have Faith in God that everything is going to be alright. Weeping may endure for a night but God’s joy will come in the morning. The song writer said I’ve had some good days I’ve had some hills to climb, I’ve had some weary days and sleepless nights but when I look around and think things over all of mine good days out weigh my bad days So I won’t complain. There’s a story about “A man that was complaining to God about his bum knees. I mean his knees were shot from playing basketball for years and years”. He complained and one day while having a talk with God and walking with a cane, he saw a man that didn’t have any legs at all. And the man was on the street corner telling everybody It’s a great day to be alive. Y’all ought to thank God for waking you up this morning and starting you on your way and giving us a reasonable portion of health and strength!!. And the man with the bum knees began to thank God and thank God 2x and he never complained again”. Before you go to complaining you don’t know how bad somebody else got it. And the church said Amen.

Great Faith is believing that God is able to do all things but fail. God can’t fail 3x. And so never anticipate the failure of the Holy Ghost. And here in this Luke 7 text we find a situation that requires Great Faith. It’s communion Sunday here at Shiloh, and we should examine ourselves..right? This text is a form of examination because “without Faith it is impossible to please God”.

First we have to believe that God exist and then the bible says we have to diligently seek Him. And God is a rewarder of those who truly seek after Him. And I plan to prove that very concept in today’s message. The bible says in Luke 7 :1 That Jesus entered into Capernaum. In New Testament times, Capernaum was a center of commerce. Fishing and trade were important investments in Capernaum. Capernaum it is believed and reported to be Jesus’ headquarters. Jesus oftentimes went back home to Capernaum. And Capernaum was a Roman tax polling station. And so it had a lot of Romans Soldiers and citizens. The bible says that there was a Centurion Roman Soldier in Capernaum. Centurion means that he was at least a captain in the army over at least 100 soldiers But! he had a servant that was very sick.

In fact this certain servant man was at the point of death. And the bible says in verse 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant. Ok ok ok don’t pass over this casually, This is a big deal.

1. The Roman Centurion Soldier heard about Jesus. In modern times we have to fix it so that the non- Christian community can hear about Jesus.They here about so much other stuff that ain’t got nothing to do with being a Christian. And the message we’ve got to get through is that when you truly hear about Jesus, it changes your life.

2. Jewish elders generally didn’t like the Romans because the Roman Empire dominated the known civilized world at that time. So the Jewish Elders had a serious dislike for Romans, And and a bad taste in their mouths for Roman Soldiers. Because Roman Soldiers were known to be dirty, rotten, and cruel. Teach me Pastor.

3. Then there’s a strange dynamic going on here. This particular Roman Officer actually loved the Jewish people. And he loved his Israelis servant and he didn’t want him to die. It was very rare to see a commanding officer with a heart of compassion because they are designed for war.

The bible says in verse 4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: 5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

There’s an old African American song that say may the work I’ve done speak for me.The Roman Officer Centurion Soldier built a Jewish synagogue. And that tells me that somebody from the outside can come in and have a heart for God’s house and make a hefty donation so we can repair whatever needs fixing. And for the record The Roman Soldier never actually ever talks to Jesus face to face or directly. But his works went on before him. Your Character will put you and keep you in rooms of Power, influence and integrity.

And upon hearing that Jesus went with them. In other words to Jesus, the Centurion Officer is a real stand up guy, he’s the real deal, he’s authentic, and he has the right stuff. And so Jesus is going to see about his servant.And just as Jesus was about to come to the house, somebody ran out to him and said, “Lord my commanding officer said wait 3x “don’t trouble yourself coming here, because I’m not worthy to have you come under my roof into my house. Lord Jesus I don’t feel worthy to even come in your presence, But all you got to do is speak one word, and I believe that my servant will be healed. That was the message sent to Jesus. But I asked why did he send that message?

The Centurion Soldier heard that Jesus is the real deal. He had heard that Jesus made the lame to walk the dumb to talk the deaf to hear the blind to see the leper to be cleansed Healed the paralyzed healed and restored withered hands, made many people whole again , He had heard that Jesus cast out demons. and he had heard that Jesus raised three people from the dead. He had heard! and he believed.

So he says Speak a word. And then the bible says that the Roman Officer, the Centurion Soldier said in verse 8 Jesus I am also a man under the authorities of others, and I have soldiers under my command, just like you Jesus.

Jesus You’re under the command of God the Father and your disciples are under your command

He said I tell one soldier go here and he goes. I tell the other come and he comes when I call. and They all do what I say. And Jesus my men are soldiers. They do what soldiers do, and I’m sure you wouldn’t approve. They cuss like sailors, the fight like cats and dogs, they gamble casting lots all the time.they run women in and out of here every day. “Jesus I don’t want you to see that”. And Jesus to tell you the truth I’m only shame of their wayward warped and wicked behavior when Holy People come around. But I need your help now Lord. And that’s how it is with us sometimes. We know we are not exquisite, exemplary or excellent examples of righteous behavior and our Christian Character lacks a lot of things but Lord we need you. and we need you right now. And the church said Amen.

The bible says that Jesus was amazed… Yes,

1. Jesus was Amazed at the Roman Officer’s humility (He wasn’t being arrogant or cocky), Yes,

2. Jesus was amazed at the Roman Officer’s meekness (his Power under control) yes, and

3.Jesus was amazed that the Roman Officer’s recognition that Jesus is truly Jehovah Rapha (The God that Heals). And the church said Amen. Teach me Pastor

Then the bible says Jesus turns to the crowd of witnesses and says I have not found so Great Faith nowhere else. I’ve been all around but nowhere no not in all of Israel have I seen this kind of Faith.

Great Faith is when you’re confident that God will deliver on His promise. I believe God before I see God’s miracle take place.

Great Faith is knowing that God’s providential anointing will come with the best care, the best compassion, and the best comfort.

Listen to me You got to have Faith in God… In all situations… I know it’s hard.. It’s rough and the going gets tough but I just believe that God is able. The bible says Faith the size of a mustard seed will move all mountains out of your way.

How many people know that God is able? He’s able, He’s able, He’s able God is able Because the bible says in verse 10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, and found the servant that had been sick whole and fully restored completely recovered. My God is Able!!!

How many people want to be made whole? The answer is in the word of God because Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.