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Foreigner Faith

Foreigner Faith by Kirk Hunt

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Matthew 8:8-9
Please also read Matthew 8:5-13

The soldier of a powerful occupying army humbled himself to an itinerant preacher, and pleaded for healing. With his helmet under his arm, he asked in calm, clear-eyed faith. The Roman Centurion did not question Jesus’ power to heal, only his willingness to speak the word.

Some foreigners have talent and treasure enough to pay their way. But mere money cannot buy the things of God. The coins that touch the throne of Heaven are faith and sincerity. The Centurion knew with complete clarity that Jesus’ power came from heaven and he had no way of compelling or bribing Him in any way.

The Centurion, despite being an outsider, acted with faith and understanding. As a soldier, he knew power and authority when he saw it. As a man of faith, he understood that the healing power of Jesus was His to dispense, or withhold. His faith, as a pagan Roman, exceeded too many of the pious Jews around him.

Men and women of faith act on their faith. Like the Centurion, they ask, knowing God can. They see the power and authority of God around them and move accordingly.

Think: Do I have faith like the Centurion?

Pray: “Lord, help me to act out my faith in You.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Foreigner Healing

Foreigner Healing by Kirk Hunt

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”

Luke 17:17-18
Please also read Luke 17:11-19

Ten men, all lepers, cried out for mercy. They called out from a distance, protecting their neighbors from the cruel disease ravaging their bodies. Yet, their joined voices added power to their plea for mercy and healing.

Jesus poured out mercy on their souls. Healing flowed over them, ignoring race, nationality, language or creed. And in a moment they were racing to be officially restored to their family and friends.

After too long a time of being shunned, I would rush to end my isolation. After the slow rotting death of leprosy, I would hurry to complete the ceremonies. Still, I hope it would occur to me to stop and show gratitude for mercy and healing.

I do not think it is an accident that the foreigner is the only one to return to Jesus. The man with no claim to consideration rejoiced at his restoration. A foreigner in Israel, his isolation would lessen, not disappear. Healed and restored, he would remain an outsider to his neighbors.

So he took time for gratitude. He delayed his process to bless the giver of mercy and healing. He knew God’s power in his life would tolerate a praise and worship break.

Of the ten, his faith may have been the greatest. His faith came from the deep places of hope and longing. Only a foreigner, who receives blessings from outside the regular circle, might understand his faith.

Think: Do I have faith like a foreigner?

Pray: “Lord, help me to expect and give, mercy, grace and healing.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Christ The Foreigner

Christ The Foreigner by Kirk Hunt

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

Matthew 25:34-35
Please also read Matthew 25:31-46

Standing before the Throne of God, men and women will receive judgment. Those who rejected foreigners (aka strangers) will themselves be rejected. Those who received foreigners will be received by Christ, into heaven. Christ plainly says that He is the foreigner you received or rejected.

No one who has read Scripture should be confused. No one who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ should misunderstand. When we serve others, we serve Christ.

Every prisoner is a son or daughter of God. The poor, or sick, or hungry, are children of God. And every foreigner you meet is Jesus, no matter where they were born.

The Old Testament is full of commandments to care for foreigners with mercy, grace and generosity. The New Testament has multiple examples of Jesus performing miracles for foreigners. The Disciples ministered to and evangelized foreigners.

Jesus loves all of His children. He speaks their language. He loves their skin tone. And Jesus has commanded you to love and serve His children.

Keep it simple. Read the words Jesus spoke. Christ is that foreigner. Will you receive or reject that soul?

Think: God loves all of His children.

Pray: “Lord, help me to minister to all foreigners with love and grace.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.