Christ's miracles were not merely signs for a doubting world, but were rather glimpses of the Glory of His Salvation. One day, we will live with Christ and those miracles will be commonplace - for Christ saves us from everything wrong!
But now, most of Christ's salvation we accept on faith, having not seen much of it yet. Paul said we groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of our bodies. Now we patiently wait for the fullness of the salvation we've been promised and received by faith.
The nobleman of John 4 knew of Christ's miracles, yet he did not comprehend the fullness of Jesus' mighty power to save. He thought that Jesus had to see and touch his sick boy, and he pleaded with Christ to travel a day's journey to heal him. His faith and knowledge were not as strong as the Centurion's, who knew Christ had authority over all things.
The nobleman needed a personal touch, a miraculous sign, a bit of the magic, in order for him to believe. Thus Christ's lament: unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.
But when Christ promised the man that his son was healed, the nobleman believed, and departed for home! When the Word of God is heard by a heart with little faith, faith increases! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God!
The nobleman believed Christ's salvation, but he had to go home to see it with his own eyes. And when he did, he believed upon the Lord Jesus, and so did all his house!
We are like the nobleman: we've received Christ's promise of salvation and we've believed it, but we have to go home to see it!
We require no signs. Our surety is the Lamb slain at Calvary for us! One day we will see it all in Glory! |
