What Manner of Man is This?

Thought For Today - September  7
What Manner of Man is This?
By: Robert A. Searles

After Jesus had taught the multitudes on the mountain and they heard his sayings, now he came down from the mountain and they had opportunity to observe his power, the mighty power of God.
First, he cleansed the leper of his leprosy, then he healed the centurion's servant by merely speaking the word.

"And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever, and he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them. When the even was come they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick that it night be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." Matthew 8: 14-17.

Jesus had a very busy day, and some of those who witnessed his power wanted to share in his glory, but Jesus warned them that to follow him would mean self sacrifice and sometimes hardships.

Jesus said: "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head." Matthew 8: 20.

 Jesus warned that to follow in his footsteps while here on earth would often times bring persecution and suffering and even death; but the rewards would be great in heaven.

Jesus was in a ship with his disciples and a storm arose, he was asleep and his disciples became fearful that they would all be lost. "And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying Lord, save us, we perish. And he saith unto them, why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm, but the men marveled saying, what manner of man is this that even the winds and sea obey him!" Matthew 8: 25-27.

Many times we in our own life's experience have witnessed the power of God to heal, protect, and to save, yet, at the same time, our faith seems to fail and we become afraid of the present storm. Jesus would say to us: "Why are ye fearful O ye of little faith?" We must answer back: "What manner of man is this that even the wind and sea obey him? This is the person that I want to be my friend, companion, and Savior. How about you?