Today’s Reading: John 4:49-53 (NIV)
49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His Word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news the boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed.
Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)
Good day!
The royal official was willing to do anything he could to save his sick child. He had tried every home remedy to heal the boy. Out of sheer desperation, he put his sandals on and walked twenty miles to see the great teacher. His need to believe and receive was greater than that helpless little voice of defeat playing in the back of his mind. He would not give up his son without a fight. The man knew if he could just get to Jesus, his boy would be healed.
Have you ever stayed up all night with a sick baby in your arms? Their pitiful cries in pain are heart-breaking to hear. When they become too weak to cry out loud and we wonder if they are still breathing, we move from anxiety to urgency. We brought our three-year old son David home from the hospital after having had yet another surgery. While holding him in my arms, David began to hemorrhage at the surgical site. We were miles away from the hospital; yet, we knew if we could just get him to his physician,, he could stop the bleeding. Our anxiety turned to urgency, as we raced back to the emergency room that day.
It is that same sense of urgency that prompts Christians to pray for people to know Jesus Christ. Our world is hemorrhaging in sin. People are in pain and bleeding to death in our streets. Hearts are broken and lying shattered on the ground. We know the One who has the power and authority to heal, cleanse and forgive. We’ve experienced His love, and out of sheer desperation, we race to the emergency room, dropping to our knees, and seeking Christ for the world. Have you ever prayed fervently for someone you love to come to the Lord? Maybe your prayers have been ongoing for years. Our anxiety turns to urgency, as we see their desperate need. Just like the royal official, we know if we can just get our loved ones to Jesus, He will save them.
The man said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” His prayer was direct and to the point. He prayed with more than simple hope, knowing Jesus had the power to heal. He took Jesus as His Word. Will we trust God enough to take Him at His Word today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
Sir, come down before my loved one dies. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding
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