The man was desperate. He may have been a royal official, but that made no difference now that his son was so ill. When he heard that Jesus was in Capernaum, he decided he would make the journey and ask for His help. He didn't know what the other officials would say if they found out. He didn't even know if Jesus would help him. But he had to try.
At first, things didn't look so good. In response to his plea, Jesus merely commented, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” Maybe He was trying to make some kind of point, but the official could think only of his poor little boy. “Sir,” he said again, “come down before my child dies.”
This time Jesus looked at him with a gaze that seemed to penetrate to his very soul. “You may go,” He said suddenly, “your son will live.”
The official believed Him. He was surprised at the strength of the faith and trust that coursed through him. Later, he couldn't even remember if he had thanked Jesus or not; he was so intent upon getting home to his son. His servants met him on the way with wonderful news: his boy would live. The official asked them when the fever had left the child and received the answer he was expecting. His son had begun to recover at about one o'clock the previous afternoon, at the very moment Jesus had told the desperate, faithful father that his son would live. Somehow, he wasn't surprised.
Tuesday – Healing Water
The pool of Bethesda had long been rumored to have healing powers. The sick came there every day, hoping for a cure if only they could find their way into the water when it was stirred up.
One poor fellow seemed to have the worst luck with that. Someone always beat him to it. He was getting so tired. After all, thirty-eight years was a long time to be sick. He couldn't help feeling a little annoyed when a Man came up and asked him, “Do you want to be well?” Well, of course he did! Why else would he be coming to Bethesda every day, year in, year out.
The last thing he expected the Man to say was “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” But the moment he heard those words, something changed inside him. He felt himself growing strong, and suddenly he decided that he could obey that command. And he did! He got up, picked up his mat, and walked. Then he turned around to thank the Man but couldn't find Him. He looked down at the pool of Bethesda and mused that he had found a new kind of healing water.
Wednesday – Even If...
Even if a mother could forget her child, God will not forget us.
Even if everyone else is unfaithful to us, God will keep His covenant.
Even if we can find no comfort anywhere else, God will comfort us.
Even if darkness surrounds us, God will provide light.
Even if we don't know where to go, God will guide us.
Even if all seems hopeless, God will teach us to rejoice.
Even if we lack everything, God will give us all we need.
Even if we are scorned by everyone, God will wrap us in His love.
Amen.
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