Monday, June 20, 2016

Matthew 8:1-13: I Am Willing as You Believe

Matthew 8:1-13
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

8 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great throngs followed Him.
And behold, a leper came up to Him and, prostrating himself, worshiped Him, saying, Lord, if You are willing, You are able to [a]cleanse me by curing me.
And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed [b]by being cured. And instantly his leprosy was cured and cleansed.
And Jesus said to him, See that you tell nothing about this to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, for a testimony [to your healing] and as an evidence to the people.
As Jesus went into Capernaum, a centurion came up to Him, begging Him,
And saying, Lord, my servant boy is lying at the house paralyzed and [c]distressed with intense pains.
And Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him.
But the centurion replied to Him, Lord, I am not worthy or fit to have You come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant boy will be cured.
For I also am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it.
10 When Jesus heard him, He marveled and said to those who followed Him [[d]who adhered steadfastly to Him, conforming to His example in living and, if need be, in dying also], I tell you truly, I have not found so much faith as this [e]with anyone, even in Israel.
11 I tell you, many will come from east and west, and will sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,
12 While the sons and heirs of the kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
13 Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant boy was restored to health at that very [f]moment.

The Lord is willing to heal, physically, emotionally, relationally.  He speaks a word, and it is done just as we have believed.  It seems to me that we need to focus on believing Him.  

I understand.  I know what you're thinking.   

How do I do that? 

From personal experience, my faith, belief in Him is strengthened as I direct my thoughts towards Him in worship. It's amazing how all of a sudden fear takes flight replaced by bold confidence.  Doubts disintegrate as His glory shines upon meYet earthly responsibilities distract from what is of primary importance.  

Lord, You know my heart.  You know my desires and requests.  You, better than anyone else knows my responsibilities.  Please, show me ways to express my love and soak in Your glory.  In the great name of Jesus, AMEN!