“…it [was needful for] Christ to suffer…”

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved (was needful or fitting for) Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day”

Luke 24:45-46

[The risen Lord was speaking to the disciples.]

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10

This church – Smyrna – was faultless, yet had to suffer.

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 73

See similar prayers in vv. 34, 125, 169, and 144 of the same chapter. It is comforting to pray with these verses and ask for understanding when suffering.

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…” Eph. 1:18

This was Paul’s prayer for the church – let us pray for ourselves and for one another accordingly.

“Understanding is the reward of faith.” St. Augustine, 354 – 430 A.D

Open my understanding, Lord, that I may understand your Word, especially the Word concerning your sufferings, death and resurrection. May the Holy Spirit show me how you suffered for my sake. May this understanding sustain me in my trials, and keep me faithful. Let me understand that it is necessary for me to suffer. Let me be thankful for your calling, Lord. Amen.

“…so great faith…”

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.

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

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.

Matt. 8:8-10

 

The centurion’s faith was great, and this was seen in his humility, and in his acknowledgement of the Lord’s authority. Lord, may my heart be found in deep humility to receive faith for healing, and for all my needs.

A similar picture is found in Matthew 15:

“…But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”

The woman’s faith was coupled with humility, as seen from her words.

 

Let me humbly trust you for healing from sin, Lord, always (Ps. 103:3). Let me humbly trust you for healing from sickness, Lord, always. May my faith for healing not fail even if healing is delayed or denied; let me trust in your goodness and your faithfulness, and commit myself to you.  May I, like the centurion, see by faith your Lordship and authority over sickness, sin and sorrow.

 

“I will come and heal him,” you said, Lord (Matt. 8:7). May my faith rest on the promises in your Word. May I have faith to receive what you have promised.  Amen.