“The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed… And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.
“When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick…
“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. There arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’”
“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” Matthew 8:8,13,14-16,23-27; 9:9
What sort of man is this God-Man, who perceives and responds to faith, heals with a word and a touch, calms a storm, and changes a life course? He is a mighty and unique sort, the Prince of peace, everlasting Father, Healer, Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and earth, Upholder of government on His shoulders. He is worthy of our awe, esteem, fear, praise, obedience, and trust. (Genesis 1:1; Proverbs 8:22-31; Isaiah 9:6; Colossians 1:15-17)
This sort of man is intimately acquainted with all our ways, determined to use us in His kingdom work, and committed to sanctifying us. He is actively involved in awakening holy desire, prompting specific prayer and faith, healing brokenness, resentment, and besetting sins that hinder growth. He calms unreasonable fears and extends effect calls. (Psalm 139:1-3)
What sort of man is Jesus to us? Where has He been active in our thoughts, desires, dreams, and plans? How has He exhibited compassion and comfort so we will go and do likewise? Where is He urging, inspiring, teaching, shaping, and refining us? How is He shaping or reshaping our affections, the way we use our time, where we direct our attention and expenditures? (Luke 10:35-37; John 13:1-5,14-15)
“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.
O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is thine,
know thy certainty of promise
and have made it mine.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)
Lord, keep me marveling at You and responding to You for the sake of Your good purposes and glory.
As the rain and snow 