145. The Prayer Of A Nobleman.

The Prayer Of A Nobleman. The Prayer as recorded.—John 4:46-49. The Lord’s Answer.—John 4:48-53. Our blessed Savior had lingered in his wanderings at Cana of Galilee, where he had exhibited to many his miraculous power. While there he was besought by a nobleman of Herod’s court to heal his son, who lay dangerously ill at Capernaum, which was a considerable distance from where the Savior now was. The faith of the nobleman is weak, like a small spark it lay in his heart ready to be kindled. He seems to imagine that the Savior must go with him to the dying bed; but in the prayer and answer we are taught a useful lesson—God is everywhere, his presence is about and around us, he is the omniscient, omnipresent Jehovah; in proportion as we feel this in our hearts, our faith is strong or weak.

There are times in the lives of all Christians when Jesus is especially near; and then, again, in the language of Job, they are led to exclaim; “O, that I knew where I might find him, I would come even to his seat.” Christ is always present when the prayer is earnest, heartfelt, believing, the eye of the spirit sees him, and the calmed soul is sure of his presence Oar Lord, in order to increase the faith of this nobleman, orders him to go home; he is obedient to the command; and as the servant meets him with the joyful news of his son’s recovery, he gives thanks to the Lord. There is in that nobleman’s house a believing family circle—all love the Lord Jesus. This side of heaven there is no picture so full of beauty and interest to the Christian as this household presents; no dark line mars its harmony, for they are one in Christ, with hearts united by a chain of the Savior’s forging—spirit-links to bind those hearts through time and eternity.

United on earth, and united forever, Death cannot part, death cannot sever;

Hands knit in love, are hands never parted, One in Christ Jesus are all the true-hearted;

Pure spirits on earth, will be spirits in heaven, For spirits in heaven are spirits forgiven.

You here sound the key note, above is the song The ransomed will sing in the bright happy throng.

Now children in knowledge, then children no longer, For faith there is perfect, here faith groweth stronger.

One in your worship, and one in your love, One in your praises, with angels above.