The Greatest Faith in Israel

Did you ever notice that the Bible tends to view Roman soldiers favorably? That seems unusual since the Roman occupation of Judea and Galilee was oppressive. In fact, that oppressive occupation led to a lengthy war that brought the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, as well as countless Jewish lives. Decades before that, Roman soldiers carried out the execution of Yeshua. Why, then, are Roman soldiers viewed positively in the Apostolic Writings (New Testament)?

The account in Luke 7 of Yeshua’s encounter with a centurion gives us some of the answer. The soldier had asked Yeshua to heal his servant, but while he was on the way, the centurion sent word that Yeshua need not come all the way to his house, but merely speak the word of healing. The warrior’s explanation revealed a profound understanding of how authority works in both the spiritual and physical realms, and belief that Yeshua carried that authority. That’s why the gospel account says:

Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” (Luke 7:9 NASB)

How is such faith possible? Is it something only warriors can understand? Or is it something that warriors seem to understand more easily than others?

Let’s ask that question of Matt Nappier, a recent graduate of the United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy. Having served as a soldier for nearly 20 years, Matt understands the world of warriors. But he also understands the Scriptures, and helps train up others in becoming spiritual warriors! He and his wife, Malissa, are part of the pastoral leadership team at Beit Shalom Messianic Congregation in Monroe, Louisiana. Matt joins us on The Remnant Road to share his unique perspective on being not only a Torah-honoring follower of Messiah Yeshua, but an active duty solder in service of his nation of birth. What are the challenges of such a calling? Come along with us and find out!

You’ll hear in this show an announcement that our journey on The Remnant Road is coming to an end. It’s been a good run, but the time has come to move on to new assignments. Our last show will be on December 31, 2018. We give grateful thanks to our listeners for making our labors fun and rewarding!

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