John chapter 4 verses 47 to 53 (NIV)
When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies. ”Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live. “The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.
Jesus knew that even with signs and wonders, there were still sceptics and those who would not put His preaching into practice. He put this desperate father to the test. Would he trust what Jesus said, or would he keep pestering Jesus to go with him? But we read the words, “The man took Jesus at His word and departed.” There were no mobile phones, no way to find out how his son was, and the man had obviously travelled a great distance to get to Cana, only to be sent home again. But he recognised Jesus’ authority. He was a Royal official. He had servants who did his bidding, but he was also used to people giving him what he wanted. Did he feel that he was not treated the way his status deserved?
Jesus isn’t interested in status or position, if we ask Him for help, He expects us to act on whatever He tells us to do. Just like that royal official.
Dear Lord,
Help me to take You at Your word, even if it means having to do something I find difficult. May my obedience bring You glory and cause those who may be watching my reaction, to believe in You too. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.