John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
Read John 5:1-15
When we read this account, it seems that the Lord knew a lot more information than is shared here. The man does not answer the question that Jesus asks. Instead, he gives reasons why he has not been healed. There was no one to assist him into the pool. Others are faster at getting into the pool.
The nature of his being an invalid is not disclosed. We can be made an invalid by lack of ambition or lack of desire or fear of failing. Jesus goes right to the heart of the issue. We are sometimes reluctant to accept responsibility for our own problems. We don't always know how to change our situation or even want to. It may be that the man was so used to his situation that it was easier to stay where he was than to exert the effort to make changes.
Jesus later tells the man to stop sinning or worse things could happen. The first thing the man did when he as healed was to pick up his mat and walk. He, possibly for the first time in many years, did something for himself and did not rely on others for his care or his own needs. It can be very difficult to start over after choosing to change a way of life. Being responsible for self care after depending on others can be frightening. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us if we follow His commands. He is asking us to take up our mat and walk. Step out in faith.
Know that our first steps in a new way of life will be easier
as we lean on the everlasting arm. The things that have held
us back, whether a bad habit or fear, can be handed to the
Lord to deal with. It may be the most courageous thing you
have ever done but Jesus will walk that path with you.
Read John 5:1-15
When we read this account, it seems that the Lord knew a lot more information than is shared here. The man does not answer the question that Jesus asks. Instead, he gives reasons why he has not been healed. There was no one to assist him into the pool. Others are faster at getting into the pool.
The nature of his being an invalid is not disclosed. We can be made an invalid by lack of ambition or lack of desire or fear of failing. Jesus goes right to the heart of the issue. We are sometimes reluctant to accept responsibility for our own problems. We don't always know how to change our situation or even want to. It may be that the man was so used to his situation that it was easier to stay where he was than to exert the effort to make changes.
Jesus later tells the man to stop sinning or worse things could happen. The first thing the man did when he as healed was to pick up his mat and walk. He, possibly for the first time in many years, did something for himself and did not rely on others for his care or his own needs. It can be very difficult to start over after choosing to change a way of life. Being responsible for self care after depending on others can be frightening. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us if we follow His commands. He is asking us to take up our mat and walk. Step out in faith.
Know that our first steps in a new way of life will be easier
as we lean on the everlasting arm. The things that have held
us back, whether a bad habit or fear, can be handed to the
Lord to deal with. It may be the most courageous thing you
have ever done but Jesus will walk that path with you.
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