Hang on to His Word

A young man was sick and close to death. He was the esteemed servant of a commander in the Roman army. When this commander heard that Jesus was in town, he asked the elders for help. The elders told Jesus, “'This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.' So Jesus went with them" (Luke 7:4-6).

On the way, Jesus received a message from the commander asking Him not to bother coming to his house. He didn’t want to inconvenience Jesus, and he did not feel worthy to be in Jesus' presence. His request was simple – for Jesus to just say the word and his servant would be healed.

What kind of faith is this? He didn’t even need Jesus to be there physically? Being a man of authority over the soldiers, the commander knew that if he gave an order to a soldier — just by his word ― it would be done. So, can you see how his military experience positively affected the way he saw the power of Jesus’ word? When the messenger got back, he found the servant healed exactly as the commander expected.

We can learn from this commander’s faith. A word from Jesus is the power of God Himself (John 1:1). God’s word is not only alive but it is powerful and reliable. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31). Today, we have what that commander didn’t — God’s Word in the form of the complete Old and New Testament Scripture. How often do we turn to it and truly believe in its power? And the most amazing gift we have today is Jesus, the Word of God, living in us by the Holy Spirit. Why lean ourselves when when we have Jesus present with us at all times? Hang on to His all-powerful words daily!

Dear Father God, I choose to trust in your all-powerful Word today. I ask that you please meet my need of _______ (state your need) in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Go deeper ― Use a concordance or go online and enter your need in the search box at BibleGateway. Find a scripture verse that suits your need and write it down. Keep it, read it, and believe God will meet your need.

If the Bible feels a bit intimidating to you, read Make Friends with the Bible.