Sometimes it seems we’re looking for that “lightning bolt” in our lives. Something to shock, dazzle, direct is off the spot we’re on. There’s no doubt that “lightning bolts” are impressive, yet, they’re not what makes up life for us.

When Jesus walked in Galilee, there were many who were dazzled by “lightning bolts,” i.e., Jesus’ miraculous works which, as the Apostle John writes, were “signs.” What do “signs” do? We deal with them all the time, and admittedly many don’t regard them. The person who parks in the handicap zone, and isn’t needing it, is a living classic. There are many more who miss the signs.

When Jesus returned from his first Passover in Jerusalem, he returns to Cana of Galilee, interestingly, it’s where the first “sign” John marks occurred. Some 10-15 miles to the east, in Capernaum, a tragedy is unfolding. A “royal official’s” child is near death, and while most in the Galilee area are only “dazzled” by Jesus’ “lightning bolts,” this man is different.

Our record in John 4.46-54 teaches us there’s more we need in life than “lightning bolts” which only last for a second and only dazzle!

This 2nd Sign of the “royal official,” whose child is near death, teaches us —

• Faith that honors Jesus doesn’t hang back from Him but comes to him.
• Faith that honors Jesus doesn’t wait to see what He will do.
• Faith that honors Jesus comes to Him even knowing we’re not sure what Jesus will do, how Jesus will work, which way Jesus will direct. Yet, you come in faith and you step back into life in faith!

And when we come to Jesus in faith, we find Jesus is sufficient for LIFE!

Part of me dislikes a study like this! It convicts me for my own struggle with faith! Yet, thankfully, it also exhorts me to steady my faith and keep focused on the one who truly handles life. I’d encourage not just looking for a lightning bolt but looking for a lamp post that’s solid, sure, reliable, so we can find our way. This lamp post is Jesus!

John 1:3–5,

All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Jesus said, John 8:12,

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

You can turn on the “Light” in your life today, not with things that simply dazzle for a moment, but solid, sure, powerful Light for living. Place your faith in Jesus, trust him for what’s before you, and step out in life! The Son is rising!