Sunday, 27th October, 2024
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob” (Isaiah 41:21 KJV).
Luke 7:1-7 tells a remarkable story about a centurion and his servant. Jesus had just finished teaching the people and entered Capernaum where a centurion’s servant was gravely ill, almost at the point of death. The centurion, deeply concerned for his servant, sent Jewish elders to beseech the Master to come and heal his servant.
When the elders approached the Master, He didn’t immediately go with them until they gave Him compelling reasons why the centurion was worthy of His attention: “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. THEN JESUS WENT WITH THEM…” (Luke 7:4-6).
Notice the underlined part; the Lord only agreed to go with them to heal the centurion’s servant after they presented their strong reasons. This further illustrates the principle found in Isaiah 41:21, where God challenges the children of Israel to bring forth their strong reasons. This is something we take advantage of when interceding for others: we present our requests with strong, heartfelt reasons. We take God’s Word back to Him as the basis for our arguments, why what we’re asking for has to be done, because it’s in line with His Word.
Remember what the prophet said, “Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips” (Hosea 14:2). So in prayer, you go with compelling words, God’s Word concerning the situation you’re dealing with. The elders we referenced earlier presented their strong reasons effectively; their arguments were based on the centurion’s genuine love and significant acts of kindness, showing that with compelling reasons you can influence divine actions. Write down your arguments; present your reasons thoughtfully with strong convictions and you’ll always prevail. Hallelujah!
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Dear Father, you want all peoples to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth. Therefore, I pray for those who haven’t yet received Jesus as Lord, that today, as your children preach your Word all over the world, the light of the glorious Gospel will shine brightly without restrictions, dispelling darkness, and ushering many into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen."
FURTHER STUDY
Luke 7:1-7; Luke 11:5-10; Isaiah 41:21 NIV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Timothy 3:1-17 & Jeremiah 23-25
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
James 1:1-27 & Ezekiel 27
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