“Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So, the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.” ~ John 4:50
REFERENCE:
A most distressing situation for any parent is to have a sick child whose sickness has lingered and defied medicine. A sense of confusion and hopelessness must have overwhelmed this Nobleman’s mind, wondering how he would help his son. He appealed to Jesus on a not-too-sure platform in his request. Still, we eventually see him rise to an admirable level of faith.
We hear the irritation in Jesus’ response to this Nobleman; “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” Can you blame the man? He was desperate and, maybe, was a bit invasive in his approach, but God does not respond to our desperation, tears, or pity party; He responds to faith. All He will do for you will come on the wings of faith.
The Nobleman had a prescribed manner in which he wanted Jesus to heal his son; “Come to my house and lay Your hands on him.” His immature faith could only relate to a physically present Jesus. It was faith stimulated by sight, performance, and rituals. However, Jesus rose beyond the man’s anxiety and spoke in His majesty and authority: “Your son lives.” Who will settle for those ‘mere’ words, but this man did? At this point, he exhibited a deeper level of faith.
On hearing those words, the Nobleman turned and returned home. Wow! No prayer cloth; no anointing oil; no gyrations, only “Your son lives.” The man believed and went home. Is this the same man desperate for Jesus’ visit to his house? What was responsible for the Nobleman’s faith? The words of Jesus. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. The man took those words because he trusted the integrity of Jesus; he knew His words would become a reality.
When God speaks, it happens. It might seem to delay, but it will happen. On his way home, the Nobleman’s servants told him his son lived. He found out that the boy suddenly recovered at the exact time Jesus spoke. If you want to have the Nobleman’s faith, get exposed to the words of Jesus; saturate your heart with them. There is no telling what God can do when He finds a man who will take Him at His word and act as though the matter is settled.
Tomorrow, we will look at specific unique properties of the miracle witnessed in this text.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Luke 7:1-10 and Luke 1:45
PRAYERS:
Lord, help me look to You and wait on You for help in times of need and desperation. I will stop giving You deadlines and methods on how You should answer me. Your word is enough for me. In simple faith, it will do what it says it will do. I believe; hence, I will see Your glory.
