The Centurions are Watching
By Kurt Bomar
Avery County
Mark 15:39 “And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.”
It was at the time of our Lord’s greatest suffering that impressed this loyal Roman Centurion. It is very possible and even likely that this Centurion was very familiar with Jesus as Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem had been very public for the last three years.
You don’t feed miraculously 5,000 without the word getting out. Likewise, you don’t heal the blind and lame and cure the leper without getting a name for yourself. He had even raised Lazarus from the dead just a few days earlier.
So, the Centurion had to have heard of some of this- but note this: none of Jesus’ miracles saved him. It was only Jesus’ cry of anguish that elicited the Centurion’s confession. In fact, we know of at least two confessions of faith at the cross (the repentant thief being the other) but we know of none at the feeding of the 5,000.
What’s the point? It’s that when we cry out to the Lord, “Why are you allowing me to go through this suffering? When will I get some relief?” He just might answer, “Because the Centurions are watching, and they can only be converted by seeing my light in your dark days.”
Seeing us cruising through life with prosperity and no difficulties will not change most people. Our testimonies about our material blessings are actually more likely to elicit envy and cynicism from them. But when we are broken, everyone suddenly sits up and takes notice of how we react.
Precious Saints, if you are going through a time of suffering, it may be of great solace to you to know that in Heaven’s eyes, this may be your greatest hour- and the Centurions are watching!
Selah (think about it)
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Kurt Bomar is the Assistant Pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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