Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? (Genesis 17:17)

Daily reading: 2 Samuel 17

One hundred is a significant number—a century in cricket, Abraham’s age when Isaac was born, and the number of soldiers under a Roman centurion. Jesus met two centurions. One came to Him in Capernaum pleading for his paralyzed servant. Though a hardened soldier, he showed deep compassion and remarkable faith. Believing Jesus could heal with just a word, he amazed even Jesus who said, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. The second centurion likely seemed even harder—overseeing Jesus’ crucifixion. At first indifferent, he witnessed Jesus’ love, mercy and grace—even under unimaginable suffering. He saw Jesus care for others, forgive His killers and offer paradise to a dying thief. Watching Jesus die, the centurion’s heart changed. He declared, Surely he was the Son of God! Even the toughest are transformed when they truly encounter Jesus. Faith can be born in the most unlikely hearts. Praise God for such grace.