I lived close to a stream when I was growing up and I played there for hours. I would fish for bullheads and try to catch tadpoles. But the thing I enjoyed most about the stream was tossing rocks into the water and watching the ripples go out from the impact. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed the same thing. The result of encountering Jesus can also have a ripple effect.
The Effects of Government Official’s Encounter with Jesus
In this week’s story, there were ripples from an impact, but it wasn’t from a pebble. Jesus had healed a government official’s son and this had major impacts on the household. John 4:49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” 50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. 51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 53 Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus.[1]
When the government official encountered Jesus and his was son was healed, it was like the rock being thrown into the water. There was an impact when this man encountered Jesus, because he had encountered the Lord. In addition, there were ripples that went out as his entire household believed. John included this story in the Gospel, and it has affected generations through the centuries. No one, except God, will know how many people this story has affected through time.
Encountering Jesus Through the Story
The government official had an encounter with Jesus and as we retell this story, we also encounter Jesus. If I had not encountered Jesus, I would not be writing this devotional that you are reading. The ripple effect of my encounter with Jesus is now touching you. That is pretty awesome to think about how the Lord works.
How have you encountered the Lord Jesus in this story of the government official’s son being healed? What is Jesus doing in your life? What is He showing you by life’s circumstances and or His Holy Word? The fact that Jesus is speaking to you through this devotional should be encouraging because you are not reading this by accident. God has a plan.
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You that You give the gift of abundant, eternal life. The Bible says that, whatever I do, whether in word or deed, I should do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father. May my life be filled with thanksgiving and praise for Your countless blessings. Give me assurance that You supply my every need through Your generosity. May grace, mercy, and peace be with me, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son, in truth and love. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.[2]
To hear more about the government official’s encounter with Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-a-government-official
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 4:49–53). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] https://connectusfund.org/11-short-prayers-of-gratitude-to-god-for-blessings