June 9, 2015

“Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4:48-50

“Some folks are desperate for signs and wonders. “Show me and I’ll believe,” they say. A miraculous sign may help convince the seeking but cautious heart, but it will add to the condemnation of the hard-hearted who are looking for excuses. Jesus said, “They have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father” (John 15:24). Many will believe and yet not confess, because they love their lives just as they are (John 12:42-43).
The royal official may have had some doubts, but he was desperate for Jesus to save his child. He did not let the rebuke deter him. There was nowhere else in which he placed any hope. Jesus spoke the word, and it was done. Remember that whatever your situation, Jesus need only speak the word and it is done. If He doesn’t, there is a reason. The solution to every problem is a word from the lips of Jesus, but He will not speak it when He has better things in store for you.” Through the Bible Daily Devotions, June 9

How hard is it for many in this world to “take Jesus at his word”? Many do want to have more than just the promises that G*d has given us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you trust Jesus with his word? Do you trust that the promises of G*d are promises for you, even though you will not receive some tangible proof or “miraculous sign”? Jesus said to Thomas, “Do you believe because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.” Thomas is like any of us in wanting to see for our own eyes — rather than having the trust of the royal official to turn from Jesus with only his word that “Your son will live.”

Our faith lives are a journey — and it is with each mountain top that we climb, each valley from which we ascend that our trust and faith grows. We are a project that is under construction until the day we die. And all along we learn to “take Jesus at his word”.

Pastor Dave