Matthew 8:8.
But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Instead, just say the word and my servant will be healed. [NET. My emphasis]
The Centurion knows here is one whose words have power. The power he himself had known to a limit. In coming to Christ and calling Him Lord, the Centurion acknowledged that his own power was limited and that of Christ’s is much more. Like he said, “I might be able to tell a Roman Soldier to come or to go, but that’s it. I have no power over asking sickness to go, or in commanding healing to come. I acknowledge your worthship. I am aware that I am not worthy to have you come to me. I am not even worthy to come to you personally. So I have sent those who know I mean well. Your people among whom You serve. Will you just say the word?” Jesus’ words are first used to acknowledge, “I tell you the truth, I have not found such faith in anyone in Israel!” (v.10).
So far so good.
However, we are left wondering if the Centurion even knew. Just perchance was aware that this One who he acknowledged as the healer, as the One who had power in His words, was in fact, the Word become flesh.
That He was the Word who was first heard. That His were the first words recorded. That He was the One who when he spoke, the entire Universe took notice. It better
The One who spoke light into space and darkness fled. As the rest of Creation awaited His command for it to exist and have its being. He was Word embodied in the flesh who the Centurion missed seeing in rightful appreciation.
Yet why should God speak to create?
Why? as the Centurion implored, “just say the word”.
His will is good. His thoughts are higher and have the same power. So why not think the Universe into existence? That would be a more potent display of glory, won’t it?
Yes!
But God speaks.
God speaks not just creation into existence but God spoke the law (Deut.4:9-13; Deut. 4:32-36; Deut. 5:1-4). Moses and the people huddled at the foot of Mount Sinai acknowledged the terror of His words — “Have a people ever heard the voice of God speaking from the middle of fire, as you yourselves have, and lived to tell about it?” [Deuteronomy 4:33 NET]
God speaking is not a light thing. The Centurion’s request was not to prove but to improve. What many have demanded as evidence of His existence is at best dangerously foolish. Let them learn from the Centurion that our eyes are not worthy of seeing Him. And our heart unable to take in the majesty of His speech.
God speaks for He is a God who communicates. He speaks for He is a God of relationship. He speaks as the Sovereign. Unlike the kings of the Far East who thought it beneath them to speak to a commoner for fear of corruption, God speaks. And when He does, He is not changed in any way but we are.
God has spoken through history by sending us prophets, yet in these last days, He has spoken to us in His Son (Hebrews 1:2). His Word tabernacled among us (John 1:14).
It is because of this Word that I have a word today — a word of praise and thanksgiving. God who speaks has taught me to speak and has given me words of praise to respond.
O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come;
And lea, ye lame, for joy.
My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro’ all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.
ALTERNATIVE ENDING…
Can we ever fully understand that truth? Can this mind ever fully grasp the worth of the infinite One? As the songwriter confesses,
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
Will I be like the Centurion, aware of my own unworthiness, or will I stick close to shed tears of joy at His feet?