“Say the word.”
Those words ring in my heart.
They are words that recognize the authority of Jesus.
An authority that the people marveled at, and even his own disciples marveled at. (Matthew 7:28-29; 8:27.)
It’s an authority that instantly brought healing (Matthew 8:13). An authority that caused demons to flee (8:16, 32).
And yet, it’s an authority that humans can choose to recognize or not recognize.
How did the priests respond when Jesus sent them that healed leper? (8:4)
How did those two would-be followers of Jesus respond when he challenged them? (8:19-22)
We don’t know.
We know how Matthew responded. Jesus said the word, and Matthew followed.
How about you? Do you recognize Jesus’ authority in your life? Do you say to him, “Say the word, and I will follow. I will do whatever you say?”
Will you say, as one song puts it, “I simply live for you”?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 