Now By This

An interesting “coincidence” in the AV1611 is found in the death of a boy and the words of a prophet.

The phrase “thy son liveth” only occurs 4 times in the AV1611. Once here and the other 3 times are in John 4:50-53, where Jesus tells the nobleman, whose son was at “the point of death,” “Go thy way; thy son liveth.”

Elijah “stretched himself” upon this child “three times” and the Lord Jesus Christ spoke “thy son liveth” three times and both sons were healed, one from having died and the other having almost died. Elijah was a O.T. type or example of Jesus Christ and his earthly ministry. Elijah being a prophet and Jesus being THAT prophet.

It was SEEING this miracle that this widow woman of Zerephath believed that the word of Elijah was “truth.” But it was HEARING the words of Jesus Christ that the nobleman believed his words were the truth. When Jesus told the nobleman that he would not believe unless he saw signs and miracles, he undoubtedly was referring back to 1 Kings 17, but the nobleman believed without seeing the miracle take place.

The phrase “Now by this” is meant to direct our thoughts and heart to think, “What would it take to believe the truth?” Do you have to see to believe the truth like Thomas who said, “Except I shall see…I will not believe.” (John 20:25) or can you believe the truth based upon what the word of God says. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Let God’s word stand for what it says. This is the right approach. It is the approach of faith. It is the humble approach. It is the “better” and blessed approach.