Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

Becki and I did a good deal of talking this morning about things contained in this reading and in this little composition. I wish you could join us. Group discussion is probably my favorite way to do Bible Study. This is not to demean the preaching, teaching, and lecture method, but a setting where participants in a group are encouraged to share their own thoughts and ideas—that’s just fun! Becki was inspired with some terrific insights this morning.

If we follow through with a walk/jog excursion this morning, it will probably be under umbrellas. Rain is pounding the roof even as I type. Dandy has said he’s not afraid to get wet—that he would rather go just wearing the fur coat he was given a long time ago.

I have plenty of indoor work to do if this rain keeps up. Lots of sign designing, etc. And I would like to find time to process the last of our apples. Then with two little grandkids here this evening, we’ll probably take in a church-oriented Harvest Party in lieu of traditional trick-or-treating…since today is Halloween.

Be blessed…and dry.

Love, Dad/Ray.

Crisis can be a very positive ingredient toward helping one learn how to do life right. At least there is evidence in this account that crisis in the home of one “royal official” played out to yield valuable benefits for both himself and his dying son. Is it not likely that this guy was on a roll before his son became deathly ill? After all, he was not a regular dude, but a “royal official.” Perhaps he not only dearly loved his boy, but that boy could have been the star quarterback on the local high school football team and brought this dad additional pride and applause. My imagination continues—there wasn’t much he couldn’t buy or control—he thought. Things were going his way. He was tempted to think that he was the cause. Then it happened—head pain, high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, listlessness, then coma—his son was dying! It all happened so fast! But without that crisis, would he ever have been prompted to look up? Would he ever have been so intent at seeking Jesus? Would he ever have been so humbled as to admit to facing problems way beyond his control? Whatever the details may have been, his experience demonstrates another instance where crisis was a good thing.

In a manner typical of Jesus’ style, He does not at first present Himself as a very compassionate nice guy. There is a reason for that—it serves as a spiritual cardiogram—a heart test. When this official approaches Jesus with his urgency, Jesus responds in so many words, “I’m aware of your motives—you guys just want to see another magic show!” (v. 48) The official actually handled the test well. Undaunted by Jesus’ less-than-encouraging words, the man replies in so many words, “Pardon me sir, but I didn’t come here to argue or be entertained. All I know is that my son is dying and you can prevent that if you are willing. I’m begging for your mercy and grace.” Bingo! “You may go. Your son will live” (v. 50).

My hunch is that there were multiple healings that day. “…and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save (HEAL) his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Sin that is unconfessed and unforgiven is indeed a terminal illness. In this regard we’re all infected. In this regard I can think of no better choice than to take Jesus at His word.