Reading the end of John 4 there is the story of the official whose son is healed by Jesus. It is an amazing story that I was extremely challenged by. Let me relate the story. The dad leaves his son for a 2 day journey, while his son is literally clinging to life. I can't imagine leaving my son at a time like this. He travels to where he thinks Jesus will be, but doesn't exactly know where to find him. He searches for Jesus and finds him, when he makes his request that Jesus come with him to save his son. Jesus gives him a rebuffed response to him and many there around him that they want to see signs and wonders before they will believe his words. The man pleads again for Jesus to come with him to heal his son, when Jesus tells him that his son lives. The man then begins his journey back home holding only onto the words of Jesus. He is met the next day by his servants that have come to inform him that his son has recovered. He immediately inquires about the time and it was the same exact time as Jesus spoke. The official believes and so does his household that includes the servants and the boy.
I was challenged by the father's faith and courage. The faith to overcome many obstacles, fear, and doubts just to get to Jesus.
I was challenged by the response of faith by the official when Jesus didn't answer the prayer in the way that the man asked. He did not waver in accepting a different answer.
I was convicted by my treatment of sin in my life in a manner that doesn't reflect true belief and a courageous faith. The thought of being separated in my relationship with Christ because of unconfessed sin should drive me to pursue Christ and the healing forgiveness that it brings.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
I have been studying the story of the prodigal son. This passage has so come alive for me that it is often on my mind throughout the day. ...
-
At multiple points along the trip we almost had to pinch ourselves because the opportunity to view the work of God's hand was breathtaki... -
We live in a world that is revealing it is turning more and more inward to self. One of the ways this appears is the Entitlement mental... -
Do you feel God has extended you peace like a river today? Most likely that is NOT what you were feeling today as it seems real peace i...
-
I often ponder the question, "How would my life look different if I was sensitive to everything God wanted to do in me and through ... -
In reading a book recently on emotional manipulation it identified part of the strategy of manipulaters is to create a F.O.G. of fear,... -
I remember growing up watching the movie "Rocky" and all of the sequels. My brothers and I would rap towels around our hands and ... -
We held a men's retreat for the men of our church. The theme was, "The Greatest Thrill, Becoming Fisher's of Men!" ...
-
It is funny how so much scripture comes alive when the Lord moves us to look through the proper perspective. A perspective that doesn't... -
An article I wrote and never published because I thought there was already too much junk being written about the subject. Second, exact...
