“speak the word only” [Matthew 8:8]

“speak the word only”. The centurion must have recognised the authority that resided in Jesus and consequently he knew the power that was in His word.
Jesus spoke with authority – “even the demons obey Him” was the sentiment expressed on one occasion. When He halted the funeral procession as it left Nain no wonder the dead son was raised to life at the word of Jesus – or Lazarus stood to his feet and came out of the tomb, or Jairus’ daughter was woken from her sleep of death at the sound of His voice.
Today it is His word that needs to be heard. More important than what we think is what He says. Our part must be to hear His voice and obey His word. This is what the centurion did and we all know the result.