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Face to Face:Believe
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
50Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.
How do we react when the Word of God speaks to us? Do we act in immediate obedience to what we have read or heard? If not, do we then truly believe what the Word says?
This royal official had a pressing need. His son was at the point of death. In his desperation, the official turned to Jesus, knowing that He could heal his son. Jesus did not go to visit and touch this young man, but simply declared that he was alive.
Solely upon the word of Jesus, the man headed to Capernaum to see his son. How would we have responded? Would we have sought proof or confirmation, or simply accepted the statement of Jesus as fact and acted upon it?
This royal official demonstrates true belief or faith. Our belief is not real unless it is demonstrated by a corresponding action. James says that faith without works is dead. That does not teach that works must accompany faith for salvation. However, it does indicate that real faith will be demonstrated by our works. According to Ephesians, good works are a natural product of salvation by grace. In other words, true believers will live out their salvation.
Had this man not believed the word of Jesus, he would have merely continued on about his business. However, upon hearing that his son was alive, he headed back home. Upon arriving, he queried the time of his son's recovery and discovered that it was the very moment Jesus had declared him to be well.
The result of the healing was that the royal official and his entire household (not just family members) believed in Jesus for eternal salvation. Perhaps if we lived according to what we say we believe about Jesus, others would take note and desire a relationship with Him. On the other hand, could it be that our lives are reflecting what we believe?
Copyright 2002, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace/theplaceofgrace.html |
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