Category — The Cross

In Matthew 27:54 a, “Centurion, and they that were with him…feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God”.  Do you know somebody that seems beyond God’s touch? Are you discouraged and feel like giving up on a friend or even a family member?  If so stop and consider how Jesus Christ melted the hearts of satans’ henchmen. 

The Centurion and his soldiers were handpicked by satan, the murderous Pharisees and the cold blooded Roman army to carry out the most heinous execution of time and eternity.  Their job was to make sure that nobody interfered and to make sure that Jesus died horribly on a cross. Quite frankly they did both jobs very well and with a cold detachment that would send a shiver down the spine of any average person. 

Of all those in attendance that day these soldiers seemed beyond redemption.  They would be the last on any bodies list of those that could be touched by the redemptive power of God and openly declare the deity of the Son of God.

As Jesus compelled the daughters of Jerusalem not to weep for Him (Luke 23;28-31) He displayed a bravery and selflessness beyond human ability.  Christ’s blanket forgiveness for all his enemies including His executioners was so real and powerful the soldiers actually felt it in their hearts and souls (Luke 23:34).  As Jesus saved the thief at His side He did so with an authority and compassion that cut through the sinister atmosphere like a bolt of lightning (Luke 23:42-43).  And as Jesus Christ raised Himself up on the cross though wrecked with pain, yet knowing that the battle had been won “…with aloud voice…”  He gave permission for Himself to die.  The Centurion had seen many men die but he had never seen one, “[yield] up the ghost” (Matthew 27:50). As the earth shook and the skies darkened fear and deference gripped the hearts and minds of these “handpicked” soldiers.  The coldest hearts in Jerusalem openly proclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God”. 

If our wonderful Saviour can touch such men on the worst day of His life surely He can touch the most unlikely candidate with His resurrection power.  The declaration of the people listening to Paul’s preaching after his conversion stands out as an example to us all, “Is this not he that destroyed [the church]…and came…that he might bring them bound unto the priests?” (Acts 9:21). 

Amidst a real life family crisis a man of God was challenged by an unsaved family member who had lost hope declaring nothing could be done as there was only a day left before disaster struck.  The man of God inspired by the Holy Ghost proclaimed that there was not only a day left but a whole day left.  Within 24 hours the problem was solved, a family rift was healed and God got all the glory.  Don’t give up and keep reaching out, for your God can challenge the coldest of hearts, in the tightest of time scales and even on the worst day of your life.