Thursday April 11, 2024

Today is Thursday, April 11 and we are studying the Gospel of John chapter four.

Holy and loving God, as a new day dawns I praise your holy name. Thank you for your constant presence in my life. I lift up my hands to rejoice in your love, care and companionship. Please provide your wisdom and guidance for today’s comings and goings. As I read from your Holy Word and reflect on John’s Gospel, speak to my heart through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “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, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. John 4:46-53

The distance from Cana to Capernaum is about twenty miles – a long day’s journey on foot. An unnamed man, a wealthy Gentile, who served as a “royal official” came to Jesus with a dire request. His son was dying and he begged Jesus to come to Capernaum and heal him. This was a loving parent in distress. What parent wouldn’t do everything in his or her power to heal a dying child? Who wouldn’t walk twenty miles to find someone who might be able to help? Who wouldn’t get down on their knees and beg for a cure for someone they love? We know Jesus had the power to heal by touch. Jesus frequently touched the person he healed, regardless of their infirmity or disease (even leprosy). In this circumstance, Jesus healed the boy from a distance. The man’s son survived and was healed at the exact time Jesus told him. The man took Jesus at his word and had faith in his power. He became a believer.

I consider the places in my life where healing needs to happen. I name my family members, loved ones and friends. Who is suffering from illness or disease? Who is in pain or struggling with chronic infirmity? Whose relationships are damaged or broken? Where are their financial problems? Who is trapped by an addiction? Overcome by grief? Where is their division, discord or disagreement? Who has cut themselves off from God because of doubt or disbelief? Whoever is on my mind today, I go to Jesus. I intercede on their behalf. I begin a journey this morning and take the necessary steps to get to his side, kneel down and ask him. For my loved one. I can have faith that even from a distance, Jesus will bring healing. Jesus will bring hope. Jesus will bring comfort. Jesus will bring peace. Jesus will bring life. In trust I continue today’s journey anticipating good news to come.

Ask: Who do I need to pray for today? Do I trust God and have faith in his power to work all things together for good in a particular circumstance?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, forgive me for not taking the extra steps to plead for and intercede for the good of others. Remind me to not give into worry, but turn to you in prayer. Help me to let go of my anxiety and fear and remember that you are with me. You love those whom I love and care for those I care for. You have the power to work things together for good, to bring hope and healing in every circumstance. I lay my needs before you this morning and all my places of pain and brokenness. I trust you know exactly what my needs are and I invite you to work in my life and the lives of the people I love. Amen.

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