Yoke of Exousia: Susan and the Centurion

This was a VERY interesting meeting in that we covered quite a bit of material.  Here are the highlights ... we did a case study of Susan Boyle and the various characteristics of her 2009 audition which launched her not only into the limelight, but, radically changed her world.  That change took her on a very tumultuous journey where she suffered an emotional breakdown.  Now, the underlying causes for the breakdown are likely numerous ... suffice it to say, that "something" rocked her world.  Now, back to the case study ...  some of the notable points raised in our case study discussion were:

• She has a God-given talent
• It gives hope (to her and others)
• It had the potential to change her "self-image"
• She could be viewed as an "object"
• She didn't know the outcome

Another person we looked at was the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13.  The notable points from this discussion was that the centurion recognized authority.  How?  Because, he said that he is a man "under" authority and he in authority over others.  Note the order of his own recognition - "under" was first.  He stated that Jesus only had to "speak" the words and his servant would be healed.  Jesus commended the centurion for his belief (v13).

As we continue this season, I encourage you to take the tidbits discovered and hold onto them as we use them to build our understanding on the authority God has given us to be what He designed us to be in His total Redemptive Plan to restore broken relationships with Him.

Until next time ...