September 23, 2020
Dearly beloved in Christ, I greet and bless you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The blessed word that the Lord has given for you today is from the book of John 5:5-6, “Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
In the above context we see that there a man was who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years, and when Jesus saw him lying there, He wanted to heal him as he was in that position for a very long time. He was lying by a pool for nearly 38 years as there was no one to help him to dip into the water. Usually an angel went down, and disturbed the water in the pool called Bethesda, and whatever disease one had was cured when he got into the water, only when he stepped into the water first, only such a person got the benefit of healing. All those who were sick surrounded the pool. There were a multitude of people – lame, blind, paralyzed and with different kinds of sickness. Every day, they would be waiting anxiously for the angel of God to descend into the pool. When the angel of God comes and stirs the water, whoever gets into the water first, will be healed from any kind of sickness. This teaches us to be careful, not to miss the chance which may never return again in the future.
The man had lost the use of his limbs thirty-eight years. Those suffering for long in affliction, should comfort themselves with the thought, that God keeps an account of how long the duration one suffers. This man’s disease was because of his sins. If only his legs were fine, he would have run into the pool and would have got healed. Even though he did not have anyone to take him to the pool, he did not give up his faith. God came in search of him despite his sins. There was no one to help this man. He needed someone to carry him to receive his miracle. The man had faith. He also knew that his sins would be forgiven. He was waiting in that place for 38 years with faith. When Jesus came in search of him and asked the man, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps before me.” God was moved with compassion towards him. The very next moment, Jesus said, “Get up, take your bed and walk”. And immediately, the man was made well , took up his bed and walked. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him; See you have been made well.” Sin no more”, lest a worse thing come upon you.
Our Lord Jesus cured him, though he either asked Him or thought about it. God commanded him to rise and walk. God gave him another opportunity to live. God made him to turn and live, to make a new heart, He made him understand that without the help of God he could do nothing by himself. It was by the power of Christ, and the power of His word that he was able to walk. It was a joyful surprise to the poor cripple, to find himself walking all of a sudden, so easy, so strong, so able to help himself! The proof of spiritual cure, is our rising and walking. If you believe that Christ has healed your spiritual diseases, then be ready go wherever he sends you, and take up whatever he lays upon you ; and walk in truth and in spirit faithfully. God came to this earth to set you free. And once you are free, make sure that you do not commit any more sin and get into more trouble. He will heal you of your disease and forgive you of your sins. For He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. God bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Lord we commit ourselves in your mighty hands. We thank you for your mercy and compassion. Forgive all our sins and heal us of our diseases. Lord be merciful to us and spare our lives. Give us another opportunity to live a repented life. Deliver us out of our difficulties. Help us to experience Your faithfulness in our lives.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
