By it He often draws souls away from sin and the worlds which would otherwise have perished everlastingly. Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is a greater. Prosperity and worldly comfort, are what all naturally desire ; but losses and crosses are far better for us, if they lead us to Christ. Thousands at the last day, will testify with David, and the nobleman before us, " It is good for me that I have been afflicted." (Psa. cxix. 71.)
Let us beware of murmuring in the time of trouble. Let us settle it firmly in our minds, that there is a meaning, a needs'be, and a message from God, in every sorrow that falls upon us. There are no lessons so useful as those learned in the school of affliction. There is no commentary that opens up the Bible so much as sickness and sorrow. " No chastening for the present seeraeth to be joyous, but grievous : nevertheless afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit." (Heb. xii. 11.) The resurrection morning will prove, that many of the losses of God's people were in reality eternal gains.
We learn, lastly, from this passage, that Christ'' s word is as good as Chrisfs presence. We read, that Jesus did not come do^\'n to Capernaum to see the sick young man, but only spoke the word, "Thy son liveth." Almighty power went with that little sentence. That very hour the patient began to amend. Christ only spoke, and the cure was done. Christ only commanded, and the deadly disease Btood fast.
The fact before us is singularly full of comfort. It gives enormous value to every promise of mercy, grace, and peace, which ever fell from Christ's lips. He that by faith has laid hold on some word of Christ, has got his feet upon a rock. What Christ has said, He is able to do ; and what He has undertaken. He will never fail to make good. The einner who has really reposed his soul on the word of the Lord Jesus, is safe to all eternity. He could not be safer.