Not impressed with our arguments

The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea. (John 4:49-54)

Come now! Have you ever asked God for something so desperately? This father was earnest in his request, knowing his boy's only chance for surviving whatever illness had overtaken him was for the healing touch of Jesus. I imagine if I had of wanted Jesus to come with me to my house, lay hands on one of my sick children, and he just told me to go back home without him, I might be a little disappointed. Why? Jesus didn't do as I expected! This is often the case with Jesus - we have something in mind as to how he should work out a situation in our lives, but he has a totally different plan. The plan he had isn't bad, it just didn't meet our expectations! Maybe we need to see that Jesus moves on our behalf, but our part may be to respond in obedience to whatever it is he asks of us. 

The official was told to return home - without Jesus. In so doing, he meets up with his servants who bring the terrific news that his son was well. Return alone - this is what Jesus told him. The official wanted Jesus to come with him, but Jesus had actually gone before him! We never know when Jesus will expand our faith, but we can pretty much be assured he doesn't always do it with the 'easy stuff' in life. Our faith is expanded in the 'hard stuff' and even in the 'harder stuff than we have endured before'. I marvel at this man's willingness to do exactly as Jesus asked. Maybe it is because I tend to give Jesus a little grief from time to time, kind of 'arguing' with him about what he asks me to do. He couldn't be clearer, but his plan didn't meet my plan, so I guess I drag my feet a bit at times. How about you? Are you a foot dragger at times?

Remember this - God isn't impressed with our arguments. He is moved by our trust. This official had to trust that Jesus would 'take care' of his boy, even if he didn't do as he expected. There is something God wants each of us to learn when he tells us to 'go and see'. It is that his presence is everywhere - his power is all powerful - his plan is more than sufficient to meet ALL our needs. We may want to drag our feet a bit today with something he is telling us to do, but when we do, we only delay what he wants us to show us in that moment. As the official heard the words, his son was healed. He heard, took it to heart, and went home. We may not see the immediate result of obedience, but it as we take the first step 'toward' the thing he asks of us that our need is met. Just sayin!