The Power to Amaze

        Memorial Day weekend marks the sixteenth year I have lived in Nashville and thanks to the church I attended, I learned about Holland N. McTyeire, a Methodist Bishop who served in Nashville at the end of the Civil War. The Bishop believed one way to help heal a fractured society following the war was through education. Due to his efforts he was able to secure money from the Vanderbilt family to start a university here that later became Vanderbilt University.  The minister linked this piece of local history to the story of the Roman Centurion who sought help from Jesus  (Luke 7:1-10).  

 In the story the Centurion petitioned some elders to ask Jesus to heal his beloved servant who is very ill and close to death. They succeeded in persuading Jesus to do this, but before he reaches the Centurion's house, he is stopped and told he does not need to come any further, instead, (Jesus) just needs to "say the word” and the servant would be made well (Luke 7:6-8). This act of faith by the Centurion amazed Jesus and caused him to turn to those with him and comment that he “had not found such great faith in all of Israel” (Luke 7:9).The minister made the point that this story is about healing and power.

     The simple (Webster's online dictionary) definition of power is:

•   the ability or right to control people or things
•   political control of a country or area
•   a person or organization that has a lot of control and influence over other people or organizations

 Few of us have this sort of power. The Centurion definitely did and he exercised it the following ways:        

• His wealth. He had given to the building of the synagogue.
• His leadership. He earned the respect of the community. 
• His authority. He had considerable responsibility and command over many.
• His respect. The Centurion recognized and respected Jesus as one with power and authority.

     Jesus has power we can’t begin to fathom. Scripture quotes him saying he could call on his Father, “and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53). Also consider:

• He was “meek and lowly” (Matthew 11:29)
• He was “anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38)
• He  healed people of their diseases and “those troubled by impure spirits were cured” (Luke 6:18)
• He fed 5000 with five fishes and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14:17-21)
• He raised people from the dead (John 12:17)
• He was “crucified in weakness” but made alive by the power of God (II Corinthians 13:4)

      I have been thinking about power ever since I heard this sermon. It may be due to the fact that the presidential election is constantly in the news. The ‘most powerful position” in the world is up for grabs and no matter one's political leanings, the responsibility of being president is mind boggling, awe inspiring and neither for the faint of heart nor for the impetuous. 

At present it would appear that the politically disillusioned are swarming like a mob of angry hornets behind a candidate that is against the so called status quo. Another candidate is trying to start a revolution and has captured the pulse and passion of a surprising number of people. The third candidate has given some people pause that if elected – we can anticipate a repeat of the past 8 years. 

While all the media attention is focused mainly on the candidates who are running for this office; I have been pondering what the supporters of each of the candidates say about us as a nation. There obviously is not (and never has been) a consensus on what experience or qualities of character would make a good president. Today it seems that we have a populous that is much divided in their opinions about what this country needs and which candidate will be able to deliver on their promises. Certainly every American should exercise their right to vote as a citizen. 

No matter the outcome, it is good to remember that God is ultimately in charge; “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1).