WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE NOBLEMAN:

TAKE JESUS AT HIS WORD: JOHN 4:46-54

Most people who examine the historical account of the healing of the nobleman’s son in John 4 have a tendency to look over the obedience of the nobleman in view of the both the miraculous healing of his son and the salvation of himself and household that follows. Nevertheless, the attitude of the nobleman in John 4 demonstrates how a man, a pagan, took Jesus at His Word even though his son was dying. He did not doubt, act cynical, or fall unto his knees in utter self-pity. Rather, he immediately obeyed Jesus.

To be sure he was faced with a situation that is horrific to any of us who have children. Nevertheless, there is no account whereby the pagan nobleman responded negatively such as doubting the words of Jesus Christ…even though he was faced with the awful situation that his son was dying! Hopefully, most of us will never have to experience that situation; God forbid! But, we do encounter circumstances that can often result in depression, despondency, and/or fear. Thus, one of the lessons we can learn from the attitude of the nobleman himself is that no matter what your situation or circumstance is, if you take Jesus at His Word, then…

  1. there is no need for anxiety;
  2. there is no need for skepticism;
  3. there is no need for apathy;
  4. there is no need for cynicism;
  5. there is no need for despair;
  6. there is no need for begging;
  7. there is no need for trusting someone other than Jesus Christ;
  8. there is no need to trust something or someone in addition to Jesus Christ;
  9. there is no need for doubting;
  10. there is no need to relinquish joy;
  11. there is no need for despair;
  12. there is no need for despondency;
  13. there is no need for anger;
  14. there is no need to yield to temptation;
  15. there is no need to be fearful;
  16. there is no need to be intimidated;
  17. there is no need to be selfish;
  18. there is no need to blame others;
  19. there is no need for bitterness;
  20. there is no need for self-pity.

Thus, no matter how complicated or difficult your situation is, face it with a predisposition or resolve of unwavering obedience, humility, and joy. In your daily decisions be determined to always make choices that will give Him the most glory. To be sure, Jesus not only asks believers to be obedient, but He gives them the enablement to obey if you yield yourself to Him. The question then becomes, to whom (or what) are you going to yield? May it ever be the God of the Bible. ~ Philippians 4:13.