Simple Answers
Scripture – John 4:49-54: 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. This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This man wanted more than a magic trick from Jesus. His son was dying, and he was desperate. His request was very clear – “Sir, come down before my child dies.” As He often does, Jesus responded differently than the man expected, maybe even wanted. He simply said, “Your son will live.” Often, God’s word comes to me in such simple language. Usually it’s something like, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” Now, I know that’s all I need to know. Still, I find it easy to fuss and fret because I don’t see how He’ll take care of it. I want specific answers and actions. Yet the man here simply “took Jesus at his word,” and left. I can learn a lot from the unnamed people John describes in his stories.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will practice taking Jesus at His word today. There are a few things I could worry about – personal issues that continually try to work there way into my heart. Yet I’ve heard His voice many times telling me not to worry about them. I’ll trust Him, and choose to live in peace this day.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me peace and focus as I serve you today. Forgive me for being concerned about things you’ve promised to handle. I don’t need to know how you’ll do things. It’s enough to know you are taking care of them even now.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This man wanted more than a magic trick from Jesus. His son was dying, and he was desperate. His request was very clear – “Sir, come down before my child dies.” As He often does, Jesus responded differently than the man expected, maybe even wanted. He simply said, “Your son will live.” Often, God’s word comes to me in such simple language. Usually it’s something like, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” Now, I know that’s all I need to know. Still, I find it easy to fuss and fret because I don’t see how He’ll take care of it. I want specific answers and actions. Yet the man here simply “took Jesus at his word,” and left. I can learn a lot from the unnamed people John describes in his stories.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will practice taking Jesus at His word today. There are a few things I could worry about – personal issues that continually try to work there way into my heart. Yet I’ve heard His voice many times telling me not to worry about them. I’ll trust Him, and choose to live in peace this day.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me peace and focus as I serve you today. Forgive me for being concerned about things you’ve promised to handle. I don’t need to know how you’ll do things. It’s enough to know you are taking care of them even now.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home