Taking Jesus at His Word

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%202-4&version=NIV

Today we read John 2-4. There are so many significant events that occur in these two chapters. We read of Jesus’ first miracle – the changing of water into wine. We see his zeal for his Father’s house, his encounter with Nicodemus where one of the most quoted passages of scripture – John 3:16 – is spoken. We hear John the Baptist’s testimony about the truth of Jesus Christ, read about his encounter with the Samaritan woman and how many Samaritans came to belief because of this woman’s testimony. And so there is much that I could write about. But what I’d like to focus on comes just at the end of our reading in John 4:43-54.

Here we read about Jesus returning to Galilee, his own country. The general attitude of those in Galilee was one of unbelief. They were very interested in the signs and wanders performed by Jesus, but not interested in him as the Messiah. One could say that they wanted Jesus for what he could do for them or give them, and not as Lord of their lives.

I wonder if, as God looks at the current state of the church in America, he sees a land filled with people who want a God that will serve them rather than to serve the living God. For that matter, I wonder how often our own faith reflects that of the Galileans. I know mine often has and it was very convicting when I realized the type of faith on which I was operating.

For years, I wanted God to do what I was asking him to do in my life so that then I would believe he truly was the God he said he was. I had an attitude of ‘if you will do this, God, then I will know how much you love me’ – as if God had to prove his love for me. Sadly, I was not willing to simply take God at his word. Certainly God’s word tells me over and over again how richly, abundantly, sacrificially, compassionately and passionately God’s love is for me. But for years I wanted to have a faith in the seen, not in the unseen – which really is no faith at all.

That is why the story of the royal official who sought healing for his son resonates so much with me. It was part of my shift of faith, for when I read it several years ago, my heart yearned to have a faith like his – one that took God at His word. And so that became my prayer. Let’s take a closer look at this story.

Among an attitude of disinterest in Jesus as Lord and Savior and a people who wanted only signs and wonders, we find a royal official for whom this is not so. Yes, he was seeking healing for his son, but he expected this healing because he already believed Jesus could heal and would heal. He came with belief – and he left with belief, before he saw any sign that Jesus would do what he asked.

My favorite words – the words that pierced me so deeply are in verse 50. After Jesus declares that his son would live, we read that, “The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” When I read that I wrote next to it, ‘Lord, I want a faith like that’. I want a faith that simple takes Jesus at his word.

See, if that had been me, I would have said something like, ‘Okay, thanks Lord. But can you tell me where you’ll be staying tonight in case it doesn’t work? Or can I have you cell phone number just in case he get’s sick again?’

But nope – that’s not how this man reacted. With or rock-star confidence he turns around and walks away. He did not need the benefit of a sign to make him believe. Indeed, faith based on signs and miracles is not true faith, which is why Jesus discourages it. It fails to honor God. But this man honored God because it was Jesus’ word that formed the man’s belief. It wasn’t until the next day as he neared home (the hike from Capernaum to Cana was about 20 miles) that he learned his son got well at the very time that Jesus had said that he would.

I want that type of faith. It’s the kind of faith that says, ‘the word of Christ is sufficient’. What is more miraculous about this man’s faith is that he barely knew Jesus – perhaps not at all. Yet he trusted him implicitly. We have the benefit of the full and complete revealed word of God. We have the ability to know Jesus personally. We have story after story of examples of how God has moved in the lives of others and in our own. And yet, I wonder if we trust the words of Jesus implicitly. I know there was a time I did not. I know that today, I am much closer to having that type of faith – primarily because I’ve been praying for several years now that God would build it in me – and his has and will continue this work he has started. He can and will do the same for you – you must simply ask.

Lastly, there are some simple yet essential truths as we look at this man’s approach to Jesus and his belief that I believe we can apply to our own life of faith.

First, he approached Jesus with expectation and asked boldly for what he needed. It’s interesting, because if he was a royal official, we was likely roman – a gentile. And yet, being outside of God’s family, he still approaches boldly. We, as member of God’s family, are told that we can and should approach the throne of grace with freedom and confidence so that we might receive the help that we need (Hebrews 4:16). Indeed, we are not to approach as hopeful beggars, but as confident children of the King.

Secondly, be took Jesus at his word. If we are to take Jesus at his word, we must know his word. We must know what he has said, what he has promised, we must know – as the official did – his reputation for being faithful to all of his promises and loving to all he has made (Psalm 146) and the we must put our weight fully down on the truth of God’s word.

He walked with confidence in Jesus word with no evidence. We also can walk with confidence that although we cannot see God working, he promises that he is. God’s word says that we are to put our faith not in things that are seen, but in things that are unseen – because that is what faith is. It is that kind of faith that honors God. Indeed, Jesus has declared, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” – John 20:29.

My precious friends, I pray that God would build in each of us a faith that approaches the throne of faith with boldness and confidence, that takes God at his word and trusts not in things we can see, but in the unseen. I pray that each of us would hear the words of God, believe them, and turn around and walk in faith.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

God’s blessings to you, sweet friends.

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels