So faith comes from hearing the Good News.
Romans 10:17 (NCV)
C.S. Lewis wrote “I have to believe that Jesus was (and is) God. And it seems plain as a matter of history that He taught His followers that the new life was communicated in this way. In other words, I believe it on His authority.”
Ninety-nine per cent of the things you believe are believed on authority… The ordinary person believes in the solar system, atoms, and the circulation of the blood on authority–because the scientists say so.
Every historical statement is believed on authority. None of us has seen the Norman Conquest or the defeat of the Spanish Armada. But we believe them simply because people who did see them have left writings that tell us about them.” (C.S. Lewis “A Grief Observed”)
This week we have remembered the lives lost in all wars yet there are some I am told who do not believe in certain facts for instance the Holocaust. Some believe this virus is a hoax, so let me ask you how quickly do you believe something that is told you by information based on hearing by a friend, a newspaper, the media/TV etc?
Thousands of years ago a man came to Jesus because of the information he had heard about Him. He had never seen Jesus as far as we are told, just simple plain information. Today you may never have read about Jesus at all and if that is you, can I recommend an Alpha Course. For those who have, let me ask you when was the first time you had information on Jesus which made you think?
You see that man did not know what to expect. Had the information on Jesus been accurate? Could he believe that this Jesus could actually do the things people said He was doing? All I know for sure is that this man had a need that no one else could fill. Have you ever felt like that? In a hopeless situation? If so, I believe Jesus is the answer to your need.
As the story unfolds, this man has the opportunity to meet with Jesus and his faith begins to grow as a result of his conversation with Jesus. Can I ask have you really spent time enough to have a real conversation with Jesus? It is life-changing I believe. When I have taken time out to spend more time with Jesus than I normally would have, my faith and relationship have grown stronger by taking this time out. If so what does it suggest? We’re used to the adage, “Seeing is believing”, but this story suggests a better precept: “Hearing is believing.” How good are we at listening and then acting as this man did?
We’re often looking for a miracle when God wants us to be listening to His Word! He did not have to have seen him or know all about him, seeing was not believing, it was hearing that would result in revelation, seeing Jesus for who He was, reaction going home believing what Jesus had told him. and as a result, the miracle he requested came true. What does that suggest to you?
He wants Jesus to come to his house to work a miracle for his sick son. Here we see the love of a father who is willing to do whatever it takes to have his son restored. This father had walked some distance. He was desperate, willing to do whatever it took. I have to ask you that question how desperate is your situation? What will it take to seek Jesus?
This nobleman was not a Jew. He didn’t have an orthodox religious background. He was simply a father desperately trying to help his son. What does this say about the nobleman and about Jesus?
As we further read the story we see one thing that the nobleman did not know. He thought Jesus had to come home with him to heal his son. Wrong! Jesus is the master over distance. Jesus word is enough if he would believe in that word. Yes, you know what is coming. Today is no different Jesus is still the master over distance, He can deal with your situation if you believe his word and act on it. That is where I answer the title question I believe because Jesus says so.
I do not need to see Jesus, His word is simply good enough for me. I put my faith in not seeing but hearing.
Finally, the story ends with Jesus telling the man to go home on his own and when he arrives home his son would be healed. The man does not try to persuade Jesus to come home with him, just the opposite. He believes the words of Jesus (hearing) and goes home to find his son healed.
He was rewarded by hearing and believing the words of Jesus and you will too. It has worked for two thousand years, so whatever your situation go to Jesus and hear what He says. Believe in His word and the results take care of themselves.
Stay Safe and Blessed.