Your Word As A Currency
Matthew 8
KJV
8+ The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
What you’ve read above expresses an explicit trust that surprised Jesus. The centurion believes that a word spoken by Jesus from a distance can resolve a problem or a challenge!
This expression of trust amazed Jesus so much that He reacted; read it,
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Isn’t it strange that people you walk or work with do not trust you but strangers do? Yes, such is life. Yes, this happens when you have fake and pretentious people around you pretending to be friends! In this case, the Jews had difficulty believing Jesus but not this stranger!
The centurion, a total stranger in Israel’s expression of faith in Jesus is summed up in these words of John ;
John 1
KJV
11+ He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13+ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
That faith transcends ethnicity or tribe is emphasized by the thirteenth verse ;
13+ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The centurion was not an Israelite but received the blessing and approval of God by faith. This is recorded to teach us that it is not all who say Lord Lord but those who believe and act on that belief! The centurion believed and acted on that belief.
Read what Jesus said to him;
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
What took place that day fulfilled what was written several centuries before Christ ;
Psalms 107
KJV
20+ He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
To understand what the psalmist meant by “ he sent his word “ you’ll have to read what John said concerning the “ word”. Who was that Word?
John 1:1,14
NIV
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This is the Word that was sent to heal and deliver them from destruction as stated by the psalmist.
This incident also raises a lot of questions, that as believers we must answer. Beloved can men trust your words? Can someone walk away from you just because you’ve spoken? Does your word carry weight?
In case you don’t know, a word is a currency its value depends on your actions. The performance or otherwise of things you say adds value or devalues them.
Some people’s words are worthless, valueless and are rubbished. They are like a devalued currency because they are not backed by deeds. Is that you?
This centurion has watched Jesus from afar and has concluded that His words alone are valuable hence his insistence that he speaks just “ the word” and should not bother to come to his house.
Oh, that men can believe our words and take them on face value! Just like you, I know people whose words I believe without a doubt; and some I doubt or take ‘with a pinch of salt!’
Dear reader, your word is a currency therefore give it value by backing whatever you say with deeds. The more you back it with action the greater value and respect is attached to it. So much so that even on your sick bed your word alone can settle a debt or buy you medication from far.
Ever heard the title “ òsèôdèôyò, that is the title of someone whose words ( currency) have high value because he backs them with deeds.
Be that person whose (Words) currency can be accepted and recognized everywhere as worthy and a legal tender!
Words words words! Read what Jesus said about the exchange rate of words!
Matthew 12
KJV
37+ For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
The exchange rate of your words fluctuates depending on your actions or inactions so be careful!
Thoughts to share, a challenge to all.