ABLE AND WILLING 2

 

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Mat 8:11 —12
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.[ KJV]

Let us take two lessons from here before we go on to the rest of the story.

Firstly, a centurion is a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. So he was not a Jew. Secondly, he came to Jesus differently from the leper. The centurion did not ask if Jesus was willing, he came simply telling the Master his problem.

The centurion further surprised the Master when he said Jesus did not have to come over, He should just speak the word and the servant would get healed. At this, Jesus said He had not seen this kind of faith in Him in all of Israel. (Mat. 8:10). Jesus then went on to make the statement which formed our main text today; people will come from outside to enjoy the benefits of the kingdom while the children of the kingdom wallow in the dark. This is Grace in action. If it is unmerited, then even non-Christians may access it.

But to the Christian, we are told to come BOLDLY to the throne of grace and OBTAIN mercy. (Heb. 4:16). If my Father owns it and it is good for me, He will give it to me. I should not ask for it the way a non-member of the family would. Jesus told us our heavenly Father- more than our earthly fathers, is eager to give good things to those that ask Him. (Mat. 7:11).

Go into today knowing God is a good Father and has your very best interest at heart.

Go ahead and ask that good thing you desire. Rest in the understanding that He will do even better than you have asked.

Amen.

- Pas Adeolu Olumodeji