Taking Him at His word

There's a remarkable story in the book of John where dad comes to Jesus begging for his son's life.

Once more he [Jesus] visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 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 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. 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, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour."

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. (John 4:46-53)

Part of what was miraculous about this story is that this was only Jesus' second miracle (verse 54). There had not been time for His reputation to spread through the area. No healing had been noted so far. Just a case of wine at a wedding. What prompted this man to believe Jesus could save his son?

I'm sure there were a number of reasons. But here, in my opinion, is the real miracle.

The man took Jesus at his word (verse 50). Then he left. That was enough for him. And he got home to find his son whole again.

What would happen if we took Jesus at his word? Here's just a start:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19)

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ... But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:22-23, 31)

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (James 5:15)

...if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

I'd encourage you today to find out what Jesus has said. And then take Him at his word.

"I have heard..."

"In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

"Yes, Lord," he answered.

The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard..." (Acts 9:10-13a)

When I was reading through this passage the other day, I had to stop right there. Think of the number of responses that can follow this phrase. I realized that in spite of the number of times I've read this chapter, I expected an "I have heard and I'm off to do what you asked," or "I have heard and I'm on it." Something like that.

Ananias chose a very human response. He did not take the attitude "to hear is to obey." Ananias had something he had to clear up with God first.

"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."(vs. 13)

Ananias had just heard from God. A one-on-one, personal message from the Lord. But he did not respond in the manner of Samuel who answered "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10). The voices he was paying attention to at that moment were those bearing the rumors, the news stories, the updates and all the bad news. Not surprising, really, is it though? After all, this chapter begins with Saul "breathing out murderous threats." Ananias had to be very well aware that he was one of the people Saul had permission to imprison or to kill. Whether he was thinking of the risk to himself or just reminding God what was at stake, Ananias had to verify God's request.

"Lord ... I have heard many reports about this man..."

("God, are you sure?")

The good news is that Ananias obeyed. I'm guessing it was probably one of the most difficult things he had to do in his lifetime, even with God's assurance. (Although if you read on, he had quite a time convincing the other disciples not to be afraid of Saul.) And yet, look how his obedience changed the world for all time. Saul went on to become the disciple Paul and one of the most fearless leaders of the early church!

What's the lesson to us?

I think it's this - Ask if you must, but ultimately, go. And you never now how God will use your obedience to change the world.