Ordinary Food - Often Forgetting the Best

 

When I hear something new with recent hymns, I wonder, "Why can't they sing the greatest hymns?" People love great food - why not great music about the Christian Faith?

There are many kinds of addiction, but precious few are the best. Repetition of the best is good and long-lasting. I just heard a German Lutheran (older than I) reciting his German worship music from his youthful days in this area. The children attended worship in German, then English in Sunday School, and finally everyone at the English worship service. 

I favor repetition, so I repeat Psalm 91 out loud each day. I am also looking at other Psalms that have very special meaning. As I have written more than once, the phrases of the entire Bible are eerily close to Revelation - they renew at the birth of Jesus and move toward the ending (note Revelation 12 until the finish).

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GJ - KJV Psalm 88 - Yes, I have often felt this way.

88 O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

10 Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?

12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

14 Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

16 Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.

18 Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

The Internet Crashed Then Came BackMinus 5 Howling Weather

 

We are enjoying the brisk wind but not so much snowfall. One exit door had this sign - "Do not open this door!" I repeated that warning in another area - lots of laugh. It is minus five.

The Internet crashed first thing but came back. That makes me wonder when it will happen again.

Since people wonder - I am having a great time with a lot of people. A group of us gather before lunch and have a good time comparing various things, from the DairyQueen party here (great timing?) and cards and local history. Sleepy Eye has a number of WWII veterans, one who is 99 years old and still lively. 

I sat down at the local history meeting and the leader asked about my background. "Write any books?" I told him an approximate number. He and his best friends of the area had a great time reciting the memories of their earlier times down to high school events.

I get asked about how I landed here. Since a lot of the residents are from Sleepy Eye, I explain my years living in New Ulm, not far away. That makes me more of a local. 

Tom Fisher's Herd

 

January 18, 2026 - Second Sunday after the Epiphany - Sermon/Psalm Only - 10 AM Central

 

John 2 - Water into Wine - close to 3,000 views today.

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Psalm 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

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John 2 

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Mary's presence was crucial for the general audience, elevating the importance of the miracle - the very first one, because Jesus's commands  and the water's change were so important. That later emphasized the healings of miracles because they were clearly from Jesus Himself.

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

The number of their own group was rather large, and there was no indication of Joseph, here or anywhere else. Such are the stories when people name what they do not know.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

We had the good fortune to attend a wedding among the Kerala people from India - the province with the most Christians, known for their traditions. The bride's Kerala mother was in charge, down to the smallest item and tradition. Everything mattered to everyone, but especially for the mother. Mary told Jesus that they had no wine, a catastrophe on many levels, yet it was simply stated, in a couple of words. That can be misunderstood, such as giving so much power to Mary rather than the miracle and its source - the Lord of the Universe.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

The miraculous can be distorted as power from Mary, and so centuries of distortions came from the Middle Ages especially, making Mary the miraculous and often setting Jesus aside in their narrations. The lack of good information came from distortions and the lack of good sense. The Middle Ages covered about 1,000 years with no printing, and that made matters worse. Luther and the Reformation quashed those distortions and many lost their lives from teaching the truth rather than their magic.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Instead of being far above everyone else, Mary was just like the organized mother of many different cultures, even today. That is often noticed, no matter where and when, when a mother takes care of the nuptials.

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

A firkin is almost 11 gallons each, a rural measure in America, cited in "The Music Man." This is a very large quantity of water turned into wine for a small group, an amount that would impress or shock everyone.

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

Even today we have a world-wide hobby or craft of "magic." Anyone who asks can find videotapes showing how the "impossible" is done with their magic. Slow-motion or special levers can do the job, which is why Jesus did not touch the water-turned-to-wine.

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

The servants did the work, so the water drew out and splashed out as wine, and not just any wine.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

The steps in this miracle are especially good for preventing the notions of pagan magic. John's Gospel is the last one produced, so this confirmed Jesus' miraculous, divine work, a key factor in all His preaching.

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

So this was not just a miracle, but a miracle without touching the water, a miracle proving something better than the original wine, proof that Jesus could change the elements without Christ touching them. This was therefore the foundation for so many blessed with His work and repeated across the centuries, showing the truth and power of the Son of God.

Sadly the modern rationalists are eager to deny Jesus' miracles and therefore reject Him. Worse - the skeptics mock the grace that draws people to the Truth. Faith in Jesus is grace.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The very first miracle promoted faith in the Messiah, even to the point of raising Lazarus from death, the risen one who joined Jesus, ate supper with Him!, and precipitated the crucifixion.

John 12 - 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

The Bible is our book of genuine miracles, just as true in Psalm 91 in ancient times - and the same work today. 

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Pastor Jim Shrader, January 15 - birthday, Chris Shrader - January 19; Alicia Meyer getting better; Lori improving well.

Sleepy Eye Weather And Histories

 

Sleepy Eye Assisted Living

1100 1st  Ave S.

Apt 243

Sleepy Eye MN 56085-1863

Luther's description is hardly imagined today, because the "wicked spirits" have taken over and areeasily absorbed by almost all denominations.

We have some biting weather right now, about 10 days that will linger and howl, some days down to minus 10 and noisy wind.

Here is a little history of broadcasting.

1. We used an extra telephone for services at Bethany's homemade chapel, the handmade worship area formed for us by helpers and members.

2. AT&T rented their disks to us, $100 a month to avoid ads (such as fake insects on the screen).

3. AT&T upgraded, which led to Zoom...

4. Zoom seemed good about the same price, but got very complicated. YouTube came with simplicity -  after Zoom.

I am not simplicity with YouTube and hope to solve my problem. We have previous material to use, accordingly "live" YouTube - as they say. I grew up on re-runs, so I know about live programs being played again and again. The King James Version is like that!

Norma Boeckler

I want to thank everyone for their encouragement. Ichabod gets daily views from 2,000 to 6,000 to 65,000 people (no known figures). We started out at Bethany (refurbished garage) - aiming at 20 views per day.

KJV John 10

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Norma Boeckler

Bitter Winds Blowing Through Minnesota

 

No wonder the intellectuals do not accept the Gospel of John. Their errors make them blind to the truth. That was already foreseen as people realized the complexity of the Universe and their own perplexity. All will become clear in the future.

To set up - follow outline and record video. Use "hit record" to start recording

 

1. Set Up Your Equipment: Use a smartphone or a home studio setup. Ensure your background is clean and organized. 

   1
2. Record Your Video: Follow your outline and record your video. Use the "Hit Record" button to start recording. 

   1

Sleepy Eye Assisted Living - 1100 1st Ave S. Apt 243 - Sleepy Eye MN 56085-1863

  

Sleepy Eye Assisted Living

1100 1st  Ave S.

Apt 243

Sleepy Eye MN 56085-1863

Same I-Phone number.

My health is quite good, but my memory is uncertain. This allows continuing work with the Gospels. 

Bethany Lutheran Church began in New Ulm, in 1997. We used a special phone at our home-made chapel in New Ulm to reach others. 

Later we were invited to a congregation forming in Phoenix. Bella Vista came later.

Many books and blogs were distributed. The efficacious Word and Sacraments continue. 

John 2:12 - Babylon the Great Is Fallen

Enlarged

Look for galaxies in galaxies and "evolution." Ha!

John 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

Just as the wedding was a family gathering, so are His brothers and His mother and disciples going to Capernaum. The wording is simple and vivid.

13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

John's Gospel marked the passovers - Jesus went there again, reminding us of the boy in the Temple, the the Son of God, revealing and in awe.

14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

The whip revealed Jesus' rejection of materials when people mocked the Temple and God the Father Himself.

16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

John's fifth book, his Revelation, reveals the ultimate in Babylon's merchandise and obscenities.

Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 

Revelation 18 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

 Revelation 17 and 18 are the ultimate expressions of Jesus' divine opposition. These two chapters must be read carefully, because they are our world today.

The Pillars of Creation

 

Sleepy Eye - Minnesota - Settling In

 

Sleepy Eye Assisted Living

1100 1st  Ave S.

Apt 243

Sleepy Eye MN 56085-1863

Same I-Phone number.

My health is quite good, but my memory is uncertain. This allows continuing work with the Gospels. 

Bethany Lutheran Church began in New Ulm, in 1997. We used a special phone at our home-made chapel in New Ulm to reach others. 

Later we were invited to a congregation forming in Phoenix. Bella Vista came later.

Many books and blogs were distributed. The efficacious Word and Sacraments continues. 

YouTube - Working On Broadcasts - Today Onward

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEksIofRPEU

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Wribxu9mK00  starts out well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IUBQY6bnkE very good and articulate.

What worked before was using YouTube. Ideas are welcome, maybe phone me.

Challenges - But with Great Changes

 My friends were talking about changes in various blogs and discussions. We have changed from being the Baby Boomers of the 1950s, with great losses and reduction of those people from that era. 

One sign comes from the numbers of Assistant Living - often used as the title of the facility. Long ago we had hospitals, but now the hospital nursing side is bed-ridden in large numbers, aided by assistant living - apart from surgery and the in-and-out treatments.

The next two years should be especially volatile, with the Supreme Court stopping much of the nation's spread of single judges creating their own national spread of peculiar laws. Most of us have seen the single, activist judges becoming their own laws. The US Constitution should rescue us from those frivolous attempts. 

The establishment denominations know how hard they are trying to repeat the past. "Do the math." 

When was the last time someone read the massive volumes of Karl Barth? (I thought so.)

"Bright Eyes" Packed the Auditorium with Shirley Temple Fans - Like Me

 

 I plan to post YouTube videos, starting tomorrow. That will be a primary goal.

No one misses a Shirley Temple movie on purpose. A somewhat younger participant for the movie, who knew all stories, burst into laughter from that little girl who was born in 1938.

That is my introductory for Sleepy Eye's Assistant Living facility, which is attached to a larger nursing area for more people, more medical problems. Opinions vary about how this works. Many take advantage of all the equipment that enables serious leg and feet to be stable and relatively easy to maneuver. It is impressive to see how many ways people can use for mobility.

A number of people have told me, at the facility, that they have memory lapses too. One resident said, "We all do!" My parents did and they also had impressive longevity. 

January 11, 2026 - Sunday Worship - Older Version

 

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

An Epiphany Service Video from 2025

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 2025

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Below is an older version - text only with hymns and no Vimeo.

Bethany Lutheran Church - Springdale

10 AM Central Time

The Hymn #44     Ye Lands  - Koren (ELS)

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

The Introit

Worship Him, all ye His angels: 

Zion heard and was glad.

The daughters of Judah rejoiced: 

because of Thy judgments, O Lord.

Psalm. The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice: 

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle 

The Gradual

The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord: 

and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.

V. When the Lord shall build up Zion: 

He shall appear in His glory. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice: 

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Hallelujah!

      

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
  

The Sermon Hymn #381    I Know My Faith Is Founded  

God's Effective Word

The Hymn # 264        Preserve Thy Word 
 

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #45     Now the Hour of Worship      

     

Prayers and Announcements

• Doctor's care - Pastor Shrader, Pastor K, Dr. Lito Cruz, Kermit and Maria Way.

  Graphic by Norma A. Boeckler

            

KJV Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

KJV Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 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. 9 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.  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.11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 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.

Third Sunday After Epiphany

O almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all dangers and necessities stretch forth Thy mighty hand, to defend us against our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

This mint is called Bee Balm for some reason.

God's Effective Word

Introduction

Biblical doctrine is very much like Creation itself. Once we identify something, the very thing we overlooked becomes more populated than dandelions in spring. My supervisor helped his son in Scouts identify birch trees. Once he knew it himself, he saw birch trees everywhere. He never realized how many birch trees were in his town.

Likewise, once we realize the crucial passages about the efficacy of the Word exist, the examples are everywhere, from Genesis 1 to Isaiah 53 and 55 to the Psalms, to the Gospels and Paul - Romans 10 especially, Hebrews 4 too.

Also, because the efficacy of the Word is essential to the Bible, leaving it out is catastrophic, letting the organization become crucial or the numbers of members or the balanced budget or the works. The errors of today's visible churches are the result of ignoring or rejecting the efficacy of God's Word.

KJV Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

When people study the Bible to make fun of it or to find fault with it, the Word is effective in hardening their hearts. Nevertheless, God has many ways to reach people through the Word - different forms, venues, people, circumstances. We are sheep, so there is a Psalm for all of us - Psalm 23.

KJV Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 KJV Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

The context matters a lot. This is just after the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. Jesus was coming down the mountain with multitudes following Him.  

KJV Isaiah 53:1 - "Who hath believed our report.?" Romans 10:16 - "For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" Faith in the Savior comes from hearing the report.

This gave the leper a chance to come to Jesus, already believing in His divine power. The crowds had a chance to see that a miracle was taking place. Thus the very special Sermon was followed by the miracle, showing everyone that Jesus' divine power matched His Word.

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses com-manded, for a testimony unto them.

Luther:

1. Two examples of faith and love are taught in this Gospel: one by the leper, the other by the centurion. Let us first consider the leper. This leper would not have been so bold as to go to the Lord and ask to be cleansed, if he had not trusted and expected with his whole heart, that Christ would be kind and gracious and would cleanse him. For because he was a leper, he had reason to be timid. Moreover the law forbids lepers to mingle with the people. Nevertheless he approaches, regardless of law and people, and of how pure and holy Christ is.

2. Here behold the attitude of faith toward Christ: it sets before itself absolutely nothing but the pure goodness and free grace of Christ, without seeking and bringing any merit. For here it certainly cannot be said, that the leper merited by his purity to approach Christ, to speak to him and to invoke his help. Nay, just because he feels his impurity and unworthiness, he approaches all the more and looks only upon the goodness of Christ.

This is true faith, a living confidence in the goodness of God. The heart that does this, has true faith; the heart that does it not, has not true faith; as they do who keep not the goodness of God and that alone in sight, but first look around for their own good works, in order to be worthy of God’s grace and to merit it. These never become bold to call upon God earnestly or to draw near to him.

In Luther's sermon he teaches about people who rely on their works and boast about their own merit. The Bible calls it "kissing your own hand" or self-praise. That is widely practiced. Although people talk about doctrine, they relapse into "Look at this building!" and "We paid off our mortgage!" and "Count the members!"  I see so many church websites where there is very little Biblical teaching and a lot of activity which is purely secular.

The leper had nothing to offer, and people were likely quick to avoid him. He was unclean, sickly from the disease and very poor. He did not demand healing but asked "if it be your will."

Jesus did different things for each healing. Touching the leper was visual proof that He was not afraid of the disease and letting people know about His divine power. As He said in John, "If you do not believe my Word, then believe the miracles." Many thousands would have been even more certain from seeing the spectacular wonder.

Jesus gave specific orders - "Tell no man" means "Carry out the mission to the Jews of your cleansing and don't book time on the evening news." If the former leper stayed to talk with the crowd about what they already knew, he would likely miss the chance to be heard at the Temple, another chance for the priests to hear the Gospel.

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

This miraculous healing took place when a non-Jewish officer came to Jesus, also knowing about Him and confessing Jesus as Lord. He was not coming for himself but for his servant, who was tormented by his disease. Jesus offered to come and heal the servant, but the officer already believed in the effective Word of God. He believed with great trust that the power of Jesus' Word was so great that the Lord only needed to say the Word. In the leper's healing, the point was worthiness and complete trust. In this one, trust in Word for someone outside of Judaism.

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. 9 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. 

He talked just like an officer, as one Sargeant said to me. "I am used to giving orders. I have done that my whole life." He knew about being an authority and ordering people under his authority.

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.11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus marvels at the faith of the centurion, to point out to others that this is the best attitude - pure trust  without limits to how or where the Word is effective.  But those who think they are children of Abraham (John 8) will not be allowed - cast out - because they do not believe.

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.

The centurion was under the authority of Jesus, who commanded the soldier. "Go your servant is now healed, as you prayed."