Commanding Respect

I was raised to have a deep respect for authority.  At work, at play, everywhere, I respect the rules, listen to whoever is in charge, and do my best to follow instructions when given.

I expect others to do the same, especially if I am the boss.  It makes sense, doesn't it?  If I will do what my boss tells me, shouldn't everyone?

But these days, it is not fashionable to live within the boundaries of rules.  Or at least it seems that we are quick to forgive people who step outside them, with maybe one exception, the military.

For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and the slave does it." - Matthew 8:9

The centurion in today's reading has such a deep respect for authority that he believes Jesus can command the demons to leave his servant who is at home paralyzed.

When Jesus heard what the centurion said to him, he turned to his followers and remarked that no one else has shown such faith.

I always thought that an odd thing for him to say, since I didn't think what the centurion said was so remarkable.  Of course those who report to the centurion would do as he says.  But what he meant was just like him, Jesus is a commander, a person of authority who can make things happen just by saying it is so.

Jesus uses this moment to instruct his followers who may not have as much faith.

So, what about us?  Do we believe that all we need to do is ask Jesus and he will answer our prayer?

Sometimes I forget that the things I am struggling with are not as big as I imagine, that they can be made small with the help that is with me always.

Yesterday in our Bible Study group, we talked about the power and strength of the advocate Jesus left with us, the Holy Spirit, and we all agreed that we can share the strength and wisdom and understanding that comes form the Spirit with others.

So, perhaps we too can speak with authority over demons.

Wow, that sounds almost sacrilegious, doesn't it?

I'm going to have to bring that up next week when we meet again.

More to come...


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