Jesus, not another like him, number thirteen.
He was the king’s man. He was used to telling this one to come and that one to go, used to being in control of what went on around him. But this was different. His boy was sick, about to die and doctors had been unable to effect any change in the eventual outcome. Then someone told him about Jesus. Those are powerful words, aren’t they? ‘Then someone told him about Jesus…’ Word was out about the miracle working rabbi.
podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/2bb3ad11/when-only-jesus-will-do-jesus-not-another-like-him-number-thirteen
Here is John’s retelling: “As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die.
Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?”
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…”. John 4.46-50
While we do not know his name, the fact is the government official was desperate. Of course, the man had heard Jesus turned ordinary water into wine at a wedding the last time he was in town--maybe Jesus would heal his dying son. Desperate needs lead to desperate measures: a man of power and prestige reduced to begging because his beloved boy was languishing.
Jesus does not miss the gravity of the man’s need and tells him to go on home, his son will live. So the proud man, turned to begin the long journey home, praying he had made the right decision—to go home alone, trusting, with no proof that anything had changed for his boy. He would not have to travel too long though, as men arrived to tell him his boy was well. ‘When did this happen? Can you tell me the time of day … well, can you?’ the master no doubt urgently pressed his men. Unbelievably, it was the very time when Jesus had said, “Your son will live.”
Yes, oh yes, the man’s faith had become sight! The One in whom he had placed his faith had been faithful . . . Jesus of Nazareth. Why do I say he had faith? Because he believed Jesus and struck out for home immediately.
I have been there, and there is nothing like the white-hot fear that courses through your body as your child is dying. In our case, God heard and answered our desperate prayers 21+ years ago, and healed our son.
I have a friend, a mother, who is there now - the above picture is of her daughter Rachelle, 28 years old. Diagnosed with cancer, the latest scans and results are bad. The cancer is in the lining surrounding her organs, and surgery not an option. Doctors have labeled Rachelle’s cancer incurable, only Jesus can help.
~>Will you please join me in praying desperate prayers to the God who does miracles, the God who heals? O, I remember clinging to and standing on Hebrews 4.16 - Let us approach the throne of God with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Will you cry out to God with me for Rachelle?
Jesus did great things,
but here’s what you need to know -
Jesus yet does great things . . . still today!
What is your greatest need?
Pray. God will hear your prayer and move into action.
Please hear me: even if you do not see God at work, he is.
Jesus yet does great things.
He is the SAME GOD! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LawxIZE9ePE
Christine