ESOCS Devotional 21 July 2023
MEMORY VERSE: “… I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel.” Luke 7:9
TEXT: LUKE 7:1-10 (KJV)
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, without it, it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:1, 6). Faith therefore is the bedrock upon which our pleasure to God is certified. Thus, every action, words, thoughts, etc. devoid of faith is displeasure to God. It implies that if I must have God eternally pleased with me; then, I must permanently keep faith on ground in my life, irrespective of circumstances and challenges. There are kinds of faith:
- CONVENTIONAL FAITH: This seems to be the general faith, ordinary and everybody faith. It is so communized that it lacks base and root. Instability is the anthem. This level may demonstrate some faith actions but does not have the capacity to command the miracle even when the atmosphere is ripe (John 5:2-9).
- DOUBTING FAITH: This is faith expression that is clothed with doubts. The confession and actions may represent faith but it is enveloped with heavy doubt. This is one level that most believers have found themselves in, hence denying them the possibility of receiving their miracle as at when due (James 1:5-8).
- STRONG FAITH: This is a tireless, die-less, never giving up, insurmountable level of faith. It is a well-established and opposition resisting faith. It is a non-staggering faith despite lives’ circumstances. “He staggered not at the Promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” (Rom. 4:20).Abraham indeed epitomized this level of faith. It is also the kind of faith Job demonstrated when he said “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him …” (Job 13:15). It is highly recommended that every man, Christians and Non-Christians alike should possess this dimension of faith. It is the secret of the staying power; it gives one the survival capacity.
- GREAT FAITH: This is the highest level of faith. Possessors of this faith command instant miracles. It is one level that moves God spontaneously to bless, heal and favour someone. The expression of Jesus Christ on hearing the statement of the Centurion through his servants confirms its strangeness and capacity it possesses to propel the unusual dimension of miracle Luke 7:9. This was the case with the Syrophoenician- woman, she operated at this level and got a miracle others couldn’t get “…Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt…” (Matt. 15:28). The level of your faith determines the kind of miracle you can magnet and its instant nature.
- Consciously build up your faith level with the word of God. Daily deal with your doubts.
- Father, give us the grace to develop the level of our faith in Jesus Name, Amen.
FURTHER READING: Joshua 24:1-13; Daniel 10:1-14; Acts 20:1-16
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ESOCS Devotional 21 July 2023
