“Jesus’ word is the truest reality in our world and the strongest foundation upon which you can build your life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 20, 2023
So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. John 4:46-50, ESV
At a basic level, we navigate life by responding to our surroundings and situations. When we encounter extended pain or discomfort, this prompts us to visit the doctor. If the stock markets dramatically change, financial advisors and investors react accordingly. Were a car to dramatically swerve into your lane, instinctually, you would swerve your own car in dramatic fashion in order to avoid a collision!
Yet one of the hardest things in the world to do is to accept and build your life upon a truth that seems to cut against everything your senses are telling you.
In John 4, we encounter a man who stands out as an example to all generations for his ability to do this very thing. The reality before his very eyes was that of a son who was deathly ill, and like any good parent, the man desperately sought out healing for his child anywhere it might be found. Jesus, known regionally by this point as a man who could heal and work miracles, failed to gratify this man’s longing for a clear and decisive miracle. Instead, all he was given was a single sentence: “Go; your son will live” (John 4:50).
Is a single word from the Lord Jesus enough for you to respond in obedience and faith?
It was enough for this official, for he believed and went on his way, filled with faith in the power of God contained in a single promise out of the mouth of Christ. There was no hint of protest or skepticism from this official, nor a request that Jesus somehow back up his word or provide additional proof that it would be as he said. No, just a word was all that was needed for this man to accept that, no matter what his reality may have looked like or how dire the circumstances may have been, if Jesus said it, then that was enough. And not only enough, but was a truer word than anything he’d seen or heard before.
In the unique and varied details of our lives, every single person reading or listening to these words faces a trial or challenge of some sort. As such, before each of us lies an opportunity and an invitation: will you believe that Jesus’ word is the truest reality in our world and the strongest foundation upon which you can build your life? In spite of the pain, sorrow, or confusion you face in the present, can you and I cling to the promise – the truth that comes from God himself – that in Christ God is making all things new and working all things – even your greatest fear or struggle – for your good (Romans 8:28)?
Prayer
Father, give us eyes of faith that help us to see the world as it truly is, upheld by your love and working toward a good and glorious end, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What truth of God do you need to cling to and build your life upon in this present season of life?
Related Reading
Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7
Worship Resource
Red Rocks Worship: Build My Life
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