Devotion - Tuesday, October 16

Luke 7 begins with the story of the Roman centurion who comes to ask Jesus to heal his slave.  When Jesus seems to stall, the man says to Jesus, "Just say the word."  He ascribes to Jesus the ability to heal, without hindrances.  He too is a man with authority, and he sees in Jesus the authority to make well those who are ill - simply with a command.

Jesus commends his faith.  Saying it is unlike anything he has seen elsewhere.

"Faith" is the favorite topics of Christians.  We speak of "having faith," "being faithful."  At the Sunday School class this past week we discussed Hebrews.  And I found myself seeing how "faith" becomes the replacement for the Temple and its system of sacrifice.

Faith is what we look for and what we strive for.

All I would want to add is that faith also motivates action.  And, while we would never want to suggest that it is our actions which lead to salvation, we would be well to remember that faith will always give rise to action.  We cannot posses the faith of Jesus and turn a blind eye to the sufferings of our neighbor.  We cannot posses the faith of Jesus and fail to speak out for what it right and just.

Hold firm to your faith.  Allow your faith to inform how you live in the world.