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From Doubt to Faith, October 16
John 4:46-54
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not
believe.
John 4:48
.
Like a flash of light, the Saviour’s words to the nobleman laid bare his heart.
He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith
appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt
might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who
could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of
supplication he cried, “Sir, come down ere my child die.” His faith took hold
upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not
let thee go, except thou bless me” (
Genesis 32:26
).
Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that
clings to Him, pleading its great need. “Go thy way,” He said: “thy son liveth.”
The nobleman left the Saviour’s presence with a peace and joy he had never
known before. Not only did he believe that his son would be restored, but.... he
trusted in Christ as the Redeemer....
Like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some
earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in
His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He
delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts,
and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that
leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to
trust ourselves wholly to His love.
The nobleman wanted to
see
the fulfillment of his prayer before he should
believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and
the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn
The day is just before us when Satan will ... present numerous miracles to
confirm the faith of all those who are seeking this kind of evidence. How terrible
will be the situation of those who close their eyes to the light of truth and ask for
miracles to establish them in deception
[296]
27
The Desire of Ages, 198-200
.
28
Evangelism, 594
.
307