DAILY READING
For more help use this Bible Study method
REFLECTION
Who Can You Trust?
by Elaine Pierce
What kind of relationship do you have to have with someone to take them at their word? How do you know you can trust them to do what they say without having to verify it? Have you ever been burned by a friend who says one thing and does another? I think we all have been disappointed by a friend or family member who has let us down, and this can lead to a distrust of people in general. If I can't count on my (fill in the blank - husband, mother, son, best friend), I won't trust anyone.
In today's passage, 9 words stood out as I read and read the verses: "The man took Jesus at his word and departed." How did Jesus earn his trust? All we know about him is that he was a 'certain royal official" whose son was very sick. The man traveled from Capernaum to Cana, a 4-day journey on foot, to beg Jesus to heal his child. He must have known about the miracle at Cana when Jesus turned water into wine. Word of this 'hometown' rabbi had spread, and crowds were gathering to hear him speak.
Ernest Hemingway said that "the best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." This royal official did not have a close relationship with Jesus, but he decided to trust him. As he headed home, his servants came and told him that his son was healed - at the exact time Jesus promised it would happen.
Ultimately, this boy would die, as all of us (unless Jesus returns soon!) will. But when we put our trust in Jesus, we will live forever - eternal life is his promise to all who believe. Jesus will not let us down. Will we have hardship? Will we have sorrow? Yes. Jesus clearly tells his disciples that their lives will not be all sweetness and delight:
I have told you all thee things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33). (emphasis added)
Take heart, dear friends! Trust him. He is worthy.
Lord, I've been burned before. I've trusted a friend, and I've been let down. And I've let others down. Forgive me when I fail, and help me to turn to you in trust and obedience. Thank you for your word and your promises. It's when I trust in you that I experience the life I am meant to live. Amen.
Comments