LEADERSHIP LESSONS ON KINGDOM AUTHORITY FROM THE CENTURION

LEADERSHIP LESSONS ON KINGDOM AUTHORITY FROM THE CENTURION

The story of the Centurion’s encounter with Jesus as he entered Capernaum is a fascinating one with tremendous lessons to spur believers to walk in Kingdom Authority. The climax of this encounter was enshrined in Jesus’ declaration, ‘I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.’ The Author and the Finisher of our Faith – Jesus, deciphered faith in this Centurion – a Gentile and Roman soldier, and depicted him as an example even for the sons of the Kingdom.

Who was this Centurion?

Generally, a Centurion was an officer in ancient Rome’s army. They usually commanded between 80 to 100 men. Most of them ascended the ranks through promotion, others were appointed or elected. They were men of respected leadership status, commanding authority; some of them standing in battle front lines. There were several Centurions mentioned in the Bible (Mark 15:39, Acts 10:1, Acts 27:1) Not much is known about this Centurion who meets Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13) other than he was a man who demonstrated faith; and that he was a respected friend of the Jewish community, even helping them to build a synagogue (Luke 7:1-10). Something else stands clear, this man was a leader with great understanding.

What leadership lessons on Kingdom Authority can we glean from him?

1. A leader takes responsibility, acting in faith

Here is a man of great authority with a dear but severely sick servant. Like Naaman, the Syrian General, despite being a man of great means, this circumstance was beyond his means. He probably wondered if anything could be done about it. As his servant’s illness worsened and tended towards death, he probably recalled Jesus’ teachings, acts of healing and restoration. He then decided to step out, in faith.

Taking responsibility is not necessarily about solving the problem yourself, it’s first about having the right mindset and attitude Click To Tweet

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Even men of authority will be required to demonstrate faith. When Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given unto me,’ he quickly added ‘therefore go.’ This sounds like a privileged responsibility was bestowed upon us. Kingdom Authority finds expression when we step out in faith.

Taking responsibility is not necessarily about solving the problem yourself, it’s first about having the right mindset and attitude. It’s about stepping into the faith lane, being illuminated by God’s counsel on what ought to be. For example, if God’s counsel about a matter is ‘Be still’ you can step into stillness by faith through grace.

Consider the circumstance(s) surrounding your life, family, business, relationships etc, and ask these questions: Is this according to the Kingdom order? Did God make it so? What can be done about it?

1. A leader recognizes higher authority

The Centurion understood that this illness required an Authority higher than his. He located Jesus, called Him Lord (submission), declared that he was unworthy to have Jesus under his roof (humility) and made his request (as in prayer).

Leaders must know when to ask for help; and that it is okay to ask for help as much as it is sought from the right source. A leader should understand that the concept of self-sufficiency is a mirage, a sugar-coated fiasco, more so in the 21^st century. God didn’t design us to be self-sufficient.

Abraham quickly recognised Melchisedec and submitted to. Melchisedec in turn blessed him. In fact, the Bible in Hebrews expounds on this saying ‘the lesser is blessed of the greater.’

Are you able to discern one who is a Spiritual Father, a mentor, a coach, a God-sent, and most importantly, the Lordship of Jesus over every circumstance you face as a leader?

1. A leader identifies the domain of his authority

Every leader has a domain of authority. Over this domain, he has not just the jurisdiction to exercise authority but the power and ability to do so. As far as the Centurion was concerned, his jurisdiction was over his soldiers and servants, not over sicknesses and diseases. And he was aware of this. He said to Jesus:

I am a man under authority having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes, and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, do this, and he does it”- Matt. 8:9

As Kingdom ambassadors, we have been made Kings and Priests to reign on the earth. The Earth is our domain and jurisdiction, and we operate based on delegated authority. Even upon the earth, some of us are however called to diverse spheres of influence and offices, endowed with diverse gifts and abilities. It is important you discern your domain and jurisdiction so you can govern with focused efficiency and acknowledge those endowed and gifted differently from you.

1. A leader understands and utilizes the power of a spoken word

A Command is a familiar term in military and royal, monarchical settings that communicates authority usually through a spoken word. Kingdom Authority is dispensed by Kingdom orders and we as leaders are channels of this dispensation.

The Centurion said to Jesus “but speak the Word only, and my servant shall be healed” -Matt. 8:8b

Spoken Words are Sent Words -Ps. 107:20, Gen. 1:3. Perhaps we have lacked clarity because we haven’t spoken the Word; perhaps we are out of alignment because there’s no sent word, perhaps the sick remain sick, and the mountains remain unmoved for the same reason. As leaders, we must harness the power of a spoken word. Like Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Son of God, ‘Spoken words’ are born of the Spirit, they are born of illumination.

What is leadership void of communication? Communication in whatever form gives direction and clarity. It spurs beings and elements into action and alignment. As leaders, we should also learn to communicate adequately with those within our sphere of influence.

As we draw the curtain here, it is certain that the governing influence of the Kingdom will spread further as we rise in Kingdom leadership. I do hope you’ve gleaned useful insights from the Centurion’s life. Share with me your thoughts in the comment box.

 

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