THE GOOD TESTIMONIES ABOUT THE CENTURION (PART 1)
LUKE 7 VS. 1 – 10 KJV
Beloved, testimonies are in two parts, the ones you give by yourself and the ones others give about you, be it good or bad. The testimonies about the Centurion mentioned in Luke 7 vs. 1 – 10, are worth mentioning and emulating as there are many good lessons to learn from him. It must however be noted that a Centurion is an officer that has one hundred soldiers under his authourity and control. Some of the good lessons that we can learn from the centurion are:
HE FIRST LOVED HIMSELF
The best prove that you really love yourself is when you give your life to Christ as soon as the gospel is being preached to you. This Centurion heard about Jesus Christ and he surrendered totally to Him ( Luke 7 vs. 3 ). Even in the midst of challenges he held on to Him. By so doing, he has fulfilled the second part of the royal law which says ‘ Love your neighbour as yourself ( Luke 10 vs. 26 – 27, James 2 vs. 8 ) ‘. In a nutshell, he loved himself first by taking the necessary step to secure his own salvation and eternity before extending this kind gesture to others.
HE LOVED HIS SERVANT
When the Centurion’s servant was sick, he extended his love to him as one of his closest neighbours by making him to know the Saviour (Luke 7 vs. 2 & 3), Jesus Christ. Immediately he realised that there is a great difference between physical and spiritual battle, he sought for solution to his servant’s sickness from Jesus Christ alone and he was not disappointed.
HE LOVED HIS FRIENDS
Your best friends in this world are those that try to draw you closer to the Saviour genuinely regardless of whatever condition you find yourself. The
Centurion made his friends to meet Jesus Christ physically (Luke 7 vs. 6). He also made them to witness His miraculous power by telling them to tell Jesus Christ not to come to his house again but rather speak a word wherever He is and his sick servant would be healed. Jesus Christ did likewise and his sick servant received his healing (Luke 7 vs. 10). I know that those that have not given their life to Christ among them would have done so after witnessing His miraculous power.
HE LOVED HIS NATION
The Centurion, despite his tight schedule as a soldier, protecting his nation’s territory from external forces, still finds time to be involved in direct and indirect evangelism. The elders of the Jews testified to Jesus Christ about him as someone who loved his nation and had built a synagogue for them (Luke 7 vs. 4 & 5 ). He used wisdom to build a place of worship where those he may not be opportuned to meet can walk in and be taught the word of God. He knew that it was only the truth in God’s words that could change a criminal to a useful vessel in God’s hand and to humanity when he was alive.
HE LOVED JESUS CHRIST
It is very clear that the Centurion loved Jesus Christ because he believed in His Salvation Ministry. Jesus Christ also Confirmed to the Centurion’s friends that he was a man that truly believed in Him, adding that his faith was so great and second to none in Israel. The bible says, ‘whoever wins souls for Christ is wise.’ The Centurion did not preach religion. He propagated the gospel of Jesus Christ which centers on repentance from Sin and love in words and in deed. He was more concerned about the spiritual upliftment of his people and his nation, knowing fully well that hell is not meant for only sinners but also for all nations that forget God (Psalm 9 vs. 17). His message to everyone was Jesus Christ.
HE LOVED THE WHOLE WORLD
This wonderful Centurion loved God and he tried to give what God gave the whole world, Jesus Christ, to every one around him ( John 3 vs. 16). He also tried to make the gospel reach the nooks and crannies of the earth by all means by starting to propagate it from where he was. Apart from the fact that he was a Soldier career wise, he was also a Soldier of Christ with the highest spiritual rank conferred on him by Jesus Christ in his lifetime ( Luke 7 vs. 9 ).
Beloved, if you love God without believing in His only begotten son Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world, it is time to do so now because tomorrow may be too late. Another Centurion, called Cornelius of the Italian Band, was once in your shoes but through God’s intervention and Peter his entire household became saved before he died as that was the only vital step he refused to take then ( Act 10 ).
Besides, there are many challenges in the world today which are beyond our skill, talent, knowledge and position but can only be solved by having faith in God through his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. It is true that He has ascended into heaven but the power in His name still works wonders and has never failed anyone who cares to believe in Him. Jesus said, ‘if you believe all things are possible.’ The Centurion sought for help from Jesus Christ when the enemy was about to take his servant’s life. Are you challenged in any area of your life? Don’t allow the situation to degenerate further. Seek help from Jesus Christ alone and stay around those that truly love Him and it shall be well with you and your household. Peradventure you do not have a place of worship, kindly look for any bible believing church and abide there.
Remain blessed.
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