Ready for More

Scripture – Matthew 8:5-9: ⁵When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ⁶“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” ⁷Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” ⁸The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁹For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus offers to do more than what the centurion asks. The centurion simply states a concern about his servant. Jesus offers to go and heal him. But the centurion didn’t ask for that. And he turns down Jesus’ offer. “Just say the word,” is all he needs. He understands authority and how it works. That’s part of his job. He believes Jesus has the authority to heal anyone at any time. He also does not feel worthy to have Jesus come to his home.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) How often does Jesus offer more than I ask? What more would have happened if this soldier would have let Jesus come to his home? That I’ll never know. But what am I asking of Him today. What is He offering me today? What limits do I put on my requests? I’ll open myself today to whatever He offers me. I’ll ask boldly for what I need, knowing I deserve nothing.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your power is greater than I can handle. So I’m usually afraid to tap into it fully. Help me know what I need today. Give me clarity and boldness to ask for your help. And give me courage to accept all that you offer. Lift me to some new places today, Lord. I’m ready to ride wherever you want to carry me.