The man’s son is dying.
This man is part of the administration at a time when rank has privileges, but it doesn’t matter right now that he has a great job. Those privileges may have connected him to the best possible care but it wasn’t helping. His son is dying.
He finds Jesus and begs for a healed son.
“Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
It’s one of the times I wish we could hear his tone of voice, could see his eyes. On paper he sounds cranky, tired, annoyed, critical. I’m guessing, however, that if we could see his eyes, they would be watching the man carefully, searching for a glimmer of faith.
What he found first was desperation.
“Sir, come down before my child dies.”
But in that very persistence, that unwillingness to be distracted by Jesus’ words, we discover that there is faith.
Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
Jesus had talked about people who need miracles in order to believe. This man believed what Jesus said and saw a miracle.
There are always questions when we look at healings.
- Do some people have enough faith and other people not have enough faith?
- Do I not have the right kind of faith when I ask for healing?
- Is there a formula here that I need to consider?
- What makes Jesus answer prayer about physical needs?
- How do I know if I’m not asking the right way, if I’m just looking for something cool?
I don’t know the simple satisfying answers to those questions. I do know, however, that this man talked with Jesus. And in the conversation, he was challenged and kept pushing God.
Desperate faith.
300 words a day 
Philippa
God ALWAYS heals. God does not always cure. Sometimes the healing is of mind, spirit or soul. Sometimes the healing is kindly and gentle death into the arms of Jesus. Sometimes the healing is of relationships.
LikeLike
Jon Swanson
Philippa – nice distinction. I was thinking yesterday that sometimes rather than the stuff we want, we get a sense of contentment. And, as I reflect on your comment, I realize that sometimes we will take only the healing in the way we want it, not in the way God offers it.
LikeLike
laurajinspires
Great observation. In my opinion, no one can judge the type, amount or strength of our faith but God and of course ourselves.
However the Word does tell us that our faith pleases God and when we can function, think and act using unwavering faith without hiccups then we know that Gods will is going to manifest itself. Sometimes in our favor and other times not so much.
Faith also accepts the Good and the not so good and doesn’t wonder did I NOT have enough or strong enough faith in my prayer.
Holding onto our faith and standing firmly not letting anyone take it from us or hinder it in anyway and believing without a doubt that God will provide.
Great READ.
Thank You
LikeLike
Jon Swanson
“Faith also accepts the Good and the not so good and doesn’t wonder did I NOT have enough or strong enough faith in my prayer.” An incredibly challenging statement. Thank you, Laura.
LikeLike
laurajinspires
Thanks Jon. Challenging yes. I just believe that at the end of the day its about our hearts. And giving our hearts to God in all honesty and integrity. When truth comes and an honest heart comes in contact with our faith it can be powerful.
To clarify on my statement accepting the good (When God answers the way we expected Him to) and then the Not so good(When God is silent and/or what we hoped for does not transpire) and questioning if we have enough faith. All we need is some faith and like the grain of a mustard seed it can flourish as it is used it will Grow.
Thanks again Jon
LikeLike