These days, much is being made about faith and politics. The candidates for the highest offices in the land are being questioned and talking about their faith in God. In this country, we have a heritage that espouses the separation of church and state, yet faith becomes a determining factor in elections. Election to high government office results in a mixture of authority and power. There is a wonderful story in Matthew, Chapter 8, that touches on faith against a background of authority and power. The story starts out with Jesus in Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. A Roman centurion (a high ranking officer) came to Jesus asking him to heal his sick servant. Jesus says that he will go with him but the officer says, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word and my servant will be healed.” The officer testifies to Jesus’ authority by drawing on the example he exercises in his own command.