Long Distance Work

I found myself reading the story of Jesus being in Cana of Galilee for the first time since He changed water into wine at a wedding.  (John 4:46).  While there, an important official came from Capernaum to plead for the healing of his son "...for he was at the point of death." (John 4:47).  As the official begs for Jesus to accompany him home where his son is dying, there is a verbal exchange between the official and Jesus which ends with Jesus saying, "Go; your son will live." (John 4:50).  The official believed and headed home.  Jesus stayed in Cana of Galilee.

On the way the father met one of his servants who told him, "Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him." (John 4:52).  It was the next verse which really spoke to me as the Word of God for this day and for this moment in my life. Verse 53 reads, "The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, 'Your son will live.' " Of course, it said what is obvious. The power of Jesus is not limited by distance.  It was not necessary for Jesus to be standing beside the child's bedside in order to bring healing into his life which brings up an equally obvious truth.  

While it is true that Jesus abides with us, being able to see Him present is not a requirement for Him to work in our lives.  When we struggle with pain or illness, feel alone and abandoned. and wonder if Jesus is really hearing the desperate prayers we are crying out to heaven, it is assuring to realize that though unseen, He is able to touch our lives with His hand of mercy, compassion, and healing.  Distance, time, and the physical circumstances in which we live matter not.  When we pray, "Lord, have mercy," He is with us.