To improve this subject, we would suggest some suitable advice —
1. Let all personal or domestic troubles lead us to Jesus —
[" We are born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." None are exempt from it in this vale of tears. The nobleman is as much exposed to it as the beggar ; but God sends it for good. He sends us adversity that we may be led to con- sideration ; and many have found cause to bless him for their troubles. Many must say, " Before I was afflicted I went astray;" " It is good for me that I have been afflicted." " Hear then the rod, and him that hath appointed it." Its voice to us is, " Seek ye the Lord while he may be found ;" " turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die." Improve afflictions thus, and you will be thankful for them to all eternity. What a mercy in
d ver. 52, 53. e John xi. 40. f Josh. vii. 6 — 9.
« Josh, xxiii. 14. h 2 Cor. v. 5.
the issue did the sickness of the nobleman's son prove both to the nobleman and all his family ! And most assuredly, if your troubles should prove the means of bringing you to an acquaintance with Jesus, and an experience of his grace, you will never regret the means by which the mercy was conferred upon you.]
2. Let us never prescribe to Jesus, or limit the
power of his grace —
[The Lord knows best how to deal with his people. He went to the Centurion's house because he was both humble and believing ; but refused to go to the nobleman's, that he might more effectually correct his pride and unbelief. Thus he may pursue various methods with us ; but he will act in all things with consummate wisdom. He will " abound towards us in all wisdom and prudence." Let us then commit ourselves to him, saying, when thou wilt, and what thou wilt, and as thou wilt. In this way we shall have our minds composed, and our thoughts established. And though he may lead us, as he did the Israelites, by a very tedious and circuitous path, yet we shall find at last that it was the " right way1."]
3. Let every fresh discovery of his mercy make us more solicitous to bring others to him —
[The nobleman doubtless related to his family all that Jesus had spoken to him ; and was instrumental in bringing all his family to believe in him. And shall not we make this improvement of his mercies vouchsafed to us? Shall we not exhort those, over whom we have influence, to trust in his word? Surely if we express a concern for their bodily welfare, we should be no less solicitous for the salvation of their souls. And if we have found the benefit of believing in him ourselves, we should labour that all around us may be partakers of that benefit. By telling of his goodness we shall pay him that tribute which he expects at our hands, and anticipate that employment in which we hope to be occupied to all eternity.]
1 Ps. cvii. 7.