As promised, here is a devotional thought we just didn’t have time for on Sunday: first, read John 4:46-53.

• note that the official perceived Jesus to be a Healer.  (It always starts with our perception of Him)  That’s obvious because after he heard, he went and asked Jesus to come heal his son.  What we believe about Jesus must translate into action.

• Love how the Message paraphrase points out: “Jesus put him off”.  Not sure I really believe Jesus ‘puts us off’, but I know that life/circumstances/enemy often do!  (Surely you’ve been ‘put off’, delayed in getting what you need.)

• But he wouldn’t be put off!  (That’ll preach!) Persistence is necessary if you’re to receive everything Jesus can do for you!

• Notice how simply his answer came: no fanfare, no bombastic sermonizing, no drama, not even laying on of hands.  Jesus simply spoke: “Go home. Your son lives.”  If you need something from Jesus today, keep in mind that Psalm 107:20 is still true!  (Look at it in the Message, too)

• (my favorite part) “The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home! Selah. (If you believe, act like it!)

• The healing had been released the very moment Jesus spoke it!

• As usual, Jesus had something greater in mind than just a healing: the household believed on Him!

What’s your perception of Jesus today?  What you see is what you’ll get!  If this idea of publishing “extra material” is helpful to you, let me know – perhaps we can do it more often.  Just leave your comments below-

And if your perception is important, so is your grasp of His message.  That’s why our creative team is going ALL-OUT this weekend, to communicate more effectively than we ever have before in the history of CLC, as we focus on “Vintage Jesus: His Message”.  Don’t miss it – and better yet, invite someone to be your guest!