(John 4:46-54)  (This message begins without sound. Sound begins 39:10)  (Prayer for our Nation begins 1:05:50)

Summary of beginning message: This miracle gives a compelling example of the Power of the Word–power where the very moment Jesus’ word is spoken, the miraculous occurs.  A Jewish official sought Jesus to heal his son. He feared his son was near death and was very distressed. He traveled 18 miles (Capernaum to Cana) to find Jesus, who he had only heard that He was a healer. Leaving his very ill son was excruciating but he risked the time with desperate hope that Jesus could heal his son.

The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”  “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”   The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4: 49-50

He returned the next day trusting that eventually his son would improve and get better. But the reality was his son was completely healed instantly at the very moment Jesus spoke them, the very hour He said his son would live.  The royal official realized this and believed that Jesus’ words had power.

Why do we not do the same? Why do we dumb down the words of Scripture? Why have they just become informative and not powerful?  God’s words cause things to happen. If we are people who believe and Jesus gives us His word, then it means that His Spirit is living in us, His Word can have power in us. We believe that and that has power in our lives. But more than that. His words can be our words to speak power.  Power to bring hope and blessing to those around us. Power to bring hope and blessing to those that are desperate to hear such words. Power to bring encouragement to those who are opposed to you.  Be People of the Word.

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

Numbers 6: