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“Except Ye See Signs and Wonders”
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desired not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his
household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light
in Capernaum. But the nobleman must realize his need before he
would desire the grace of Christ. Many of his nation were interested
in Jesus from selfish motives. They staked their faith on the granting
of temporal favor, but saw not their need of divine grace.
Like a flash of light, the Saviour’s words to the nobleman laid
bare his heart. He saw that his motives were selfish. His vacillating
faith appeared in its true character. In deep distress he realized that
his doubt might cost the life of his son. 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. “Go thy way; thy son liveth,” Jesus
said. The nobleman left the Saviour’s presence with a peace and joy
he had never known before.
At the same hour the watchers beside the dying child at Caper-
naum beheld a sudden, mysterious change. The flush of fever gave
place to the soft glow of returning health. Strength returned to the
feeble, emaciated frame. No signs of his malady lingered about the
child. His burning flesh had become soft and moist, and he sank into
a quiet sleep. The family were amazed, and great was the rejoicing.
The officer might have reached Capernaum on the evening after
his interview with Jesus; but he did not hasten homeward. Not until
the next morning did he reach Capernaum. What a homecoming
was that!
[126]
When he had gone to find Jesus, his heart was heavy with sorrow.
How different his feelings now! As he journeyed in the quiet of
the early morning, all nature seemed to be praising God with him.
While he was still some distance from his dwelling, servants came
out to relieve the suspense they were sure he must feel. He showed
no surprise at the news they brought, but asked at what hour the child
began to mend. They answered, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the
fever left him.” At the very moment when the father’s faith grasped
the assurance, “Thy son liveth,” divine love touched the dying child.
The father hurried on to greet his son. He clasped him to his
heart as one restored from the dead and thanked God again and again
for the wonderful restoration.