Now at the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem…were crowds of sick people- blind, lame, paralyzed-waiting for the water to move…
One man there had an illness…when Jesus saw him lying there, he asked: “Do you want to be well again?” John 5:2-7
St. John describes the chaotic scene at the Sheep Pool that day. All around the water were five porches filled with sick people. Only the first person to enter the water after “the Angel of the Lord came down to the pool” would be healed. Every time the water moved, the crush of all those people straining to get to the pool must have been overwhelming.
One man in the crowd “had an illness” for thirty-eight years. His specific problem is not recorded, but whatever it was, it kept him from getting in the water at the right time.
The sick man tells the Lord that getting to the pool first is impossible. He is losing hope of ever being cured.
To The Rescue!
What I would have done if the man had told me his story? This poor guy has been suffering for thirty-eight years. The Sheep Pool was his last hope.
I think I would have called all my friends (I would have called you!) and gotten them down to the Pool. I’d call Eyewitness News to get some PR, and hopefully a few local gladiators would come down to block for my friends and me. Maybe the Fire Department would donate a stretcher.
That’s what I’d do.
So isn’t it interesting that when Jesus heard the story, with all it’s sorrows, he didn’t do anything like that.
Jesus Empowers
Jesus stood there surrounded by twelve guys in pretty good shape too. He could have had the Apostles move the man to the water. But that wasn’t the plan.
Jesus wanted to cure this man, but he wanted the sick man to participate. This healing wasn’t going to just ‘happen’ to the invalid.
Jesus tells him “Get up, pick up your sleeping mat and walk.”
Faith is shown in prayer and hope, but its crowning achievement is action. Jesus is telling this man that he can be cured, but he’ll have to convert his faith into walking. He can be cured without the waters of the pool. But he’ll have to make that first step.
Picking Up My Mat
Jesus wants me to step out sometimes too. He knows that when I want my circumstances to change, I first pray for that change. And then I hope he will send the right person to help.
I waiting for him to move.
I’m really asking for a change to ‘happen’ to me. People will help me. God will help me. I’ll just sit over here and wait. Well, sometimes it works like that.
But most of the time, the Lord wants me to pick myself up off my mat (or sofa) and get started. I’m a very important part of the change I seek.
Just like the sick man at the Sheep Pool, I’ve already prayed and hoped for help. And now Jesus is asking me to stand up and walk. Am I going to sit there and tell Jesus I can’t do it?
The Lord healed the man at the pool when he decided to move.
Now it’s my turn to convert faith to action. It’s time to get up and walk.
Do you know how many times I’ve read or heard that story and never got that application from it. Really good – and good for me to hear!
Hi Mari! That’s great! Isn’t it fun to find new ways to look at Scripture?
I’m really glad that this post added something new.
It’s always a blessing to read new things from you too Mari. I love that.
Have a restful night!
Ceil
Didn’t Jesus ask just the best questions ever? His inquiries opened hearts and minds wide, and caused people to realize that they could choose. They weren’t doomed to be victims.
Asking questions. An art, a gift, a necessity as we help people to own their stuff, their choices, their decisions, their future. All by His grace.
What a lovely post at the end of sabbath, dear Ceil …
Hi Linda! Well, they don’t call him ‘Wonder Counselor” for nothing! I’m sure you can really relate to his effective questioning in the work that you do. What a great service patience and good questions are to those who are confused.
It is an art! And a great service of love. You are a huge blessing to those you serve.
Have a peaceful night!
Ceil
Each time read this passage in Bible and what you wrote here always comes to my mind. I always love to call Him my best teacher too, He is right teacher teaching how to act in circumstances through faith. But things your wrote here are 3 good points as examples.
And I was thinking the same thing too if that guy told me his poor story hehe 😀
Thanks for sharing Ceil. Thank you that you always made my day.
Hi Delvalina! I think we would all be moved to help this poor man in any way we could. It’s just so fascinating to me that Jesus wanted to have this man’s effort in the healing. It really helped me see the truth in that old saying “The Lord helps those who help themselves.”
How wonderful that we were interpreting this passage the same way! There is always so much beauty and instruction in the Scripture.
It’s always good to see you my friend
Ceil
I really love that story and reading your thoughts on it. Jesus will help us, but we must do our part. Thank you for this. It is something that really did help me through a bit of a rough patch this weekend. Blessings to you!
Hi Deb! I’m so glad you liked what you read, and could apply it too.
I’m sorry you had some hard times this weekend. Challenges never seem to stop hitting us that’s for sure. I’m glad it has passed.
I hope you have a good start to the week!
Hugs,
Ceil
“I’m a very important part of the change I seek.” Something to always remember. Thanks, Ceil.
Hi Linda! I have to remember that myself.
It’s a good thing to remember as I start the week. I hope you have a good Monday!
Blessings,
Ceil
As always, your post was excellent and eye-opening, but the biggest thing that “got me” were two words you used … “Jesus Empowers.” I have been thinking upon those exact words since last Wednesday and here you use them in your post – that is truly of the Lord, my sweet friend
Thank you, Ceil, for blessing and encouraging. Happy Monday!
Hi Stephanie! What a joy to be a part of your ‘Jesus Empowers’ confirmation! Thank you for telling me, that’s so fun to know.
And I know he empowers you, especially on your birthday
Blessings to you always,
Ceil
Love your insights, Ceil. This: “Faith is shown in prayer and hope, but its crowning achievement is action.” So true! Praying to get moving and keep moving. . . .
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your encouraging comment. Getting up the strength to keep moving is sometimes pretty hard to do. But as you wrote…I have to get moving and keep moving too.
Like you did with your food delivery
Blessings,
Ceil
Thanks for sharing this post! I just love reflecting on the life of Jesus. I want to spend my days learning from His example.
Hi Lauren! Wouldn’t that be wonderful…to spend all day learning from the Lord. Beautiful image, thank you!
But you actually do a lot of that through your photos and Scripture on your blog. Seeing God in all things is a real spiritual gift. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
Happy Monday
Ceil
Amen Ceil,
Whatever Jesus tells us to do (Jesus being the Word ), we must do. We must not just be hearers of the word, but doers too.
God bless
Hi Brenda! You are so right. Reading and admiring is not enough. We have to get in there and start walking.
I hope I will always feel inspired to do just that.
Have a great Monday
Ceil
Such great insights Ceil. We can’t just sit back and wait but must do our part and move when He asks. Have a great week!
Hi Mindy! I’m so glad you liked the post today, and could relate to the message.
All that’s left is to follow him by getting moving! I have to do my part for sure.
Blessings!
Ceil
Awesome post, Ceil. If we’re to be like our Savior then action is part of our faith. Those that sit back in fear and waiting aren’t listening to the voice of God. Fear isn’t from Him, but we use it as a crutch. Often when we get up in action we get knocked down, but that’s part of our journey!
Hi Floyd! Boy, you said a mouthful of truth here my friend. Fear is not from the Lord. As St. Paul said, we don’t get a spirit of timidity from him.
That’s what should urge me on to walk, dropping any fear and going the way he wants me to go. So much peace in that too. Even if I get knocked down, I know I’m on the right path!
Have a good Monday my friend,
Ceil
Thank the Lord for you Ceil! I was on a great spiritual high a couple weeks ago and the enemy made me his target! I have felt defeated and low for about 4 days now even though I have prayed. But you have encouraged me to pick myself up and dust off the junk that is holding me back from what He has for me. I can’t sit here feeling sorry for myself. I must make the effort to get out of this pit! Thank you and God bless you for being obedient in sharing.
Hi Monica! I’m so happy that what you read here was a blessing for you. I’m also glad that you feel you can move on from your feelings of being picked on by the enemy. He really is the foe of joy. Anytime he can knock me down, he sure does try.
I hope today is a better day for you. You are in my prayers too.
Blessings,
Ceil
You’re so awesome 😀
Hi Nan! Thank you for your uplifting comment today Nan! I’m glad you liked the post, and could get something out of it.
Have a peaceful night!
Ceil
Thank you for that encouraging message, Ceil. I really needed to hear that. Sometimes when times are hard I forget that I need to have faith and take action. It reminds me of a scene from Facing the Giants. The pastor tells a story of how the farmer prepares his field for the rain. He has faith that God will send the rain, so he takes action and prepares his field. I really loved reading your post.
God bless,
Rachel
Hi Rachel! It does seem like the ultimate in faith would be to pray and then wait. I don’t think that’s the case all the time. Sometimes I think God waits for me to step out in that faith I profess.
I’m glad you liked the post, thank you for your kind comments! May we all prepare our fields for the coming of the Lord!
Blessings,
Ceil
Yes, FAITH without works is dead! I LOVE to read about FAITH…..the more action we take, the stronger our FAITH can grow! I liked your story Ceil of what you would do this day and time….The ole’ saying “If there is a will….there’s a way! That’s sounds like some FAITH to me too! Blessings~~~Roxie
Hi Roxie! How nice to see you today!
I think you’re right, the more we move in faith, the less scary it is. Then we can do it more and more. I love to read about faith too. I need to be inspired!
Thank you for your inspiring comment my friend
Ceil
Wonderful and wise words of wisdom Ceil.
I discovered this as I was praying over our debt.
Fix it Lord! Please! Send us some miracle money! Free us of these chains!
Then I realized that HE wanted me to take action. I also felt like the more action I took (i.e. being extra frugal in an area) resulted in small but significant blessings.
It’s a journey. Isn’t that what it’s about? Walking with Him. Following Him. Not standing on the sidelines cheering Him on to “do good” but doing the journey with Him!
Praise God!
Wishing you blessings my friend. Your family is in my prayers every day.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Wow, what a wonderful witness to listening to the Lord. And how it helped move you to improve your circumstances. So inspiring!
I like your image of not standing on the sidelines, but instead to get in the game. That’s where he can really work for you! Praise to him indeed
Thank you for your prayers for my family. My daughter is here now with her two little ones. It’s going great so far! Keep those prayers coming. I’ll do the same my friend.
Blessings,
Ceil
I recently heard a sermon on this same scripture. It all surrounded, “Do you want to be well.” Indeed!
Hi Loralu! Isn’t that a great question? And if I want to be ‘well’ then it’s going to take some work from me.
I hope I’ll always step out and do the work that God wants me to do!
Good to see you here
Ceil
I’ve often felt frustrated when reading this passage only to realize time and again that self pity needs to be confronted. Jesus is more than willing to heal in so many other passages like you pointed out. But He expects action. His part/our part= relationship!
Hugs,
Mary
Hi Mary! I like your math! We both have to move, both the Lord in giving me the grace to get up and walk…and in his granting me his healing.
He really does promise to be there and heal us, but we have to be ready to do our part. It’s a challenge, but we can do it if we hang in there and keep trying!
Nice to see you here Mary! Thanks for the visit
Ceil
Amen, bless you.
Hi Denise! Thank you for your blessings my friend
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
This speaks volumes to me today. Thank you for sharing these words of hope and action from God’s Word. In my current family situation, I want to claim this action by faith on behalf of my son who is terminally ill. I commit him to Christ, The Great Physician. I know He sometimes heals without our participation, and sometimes He asks us to take action. Whatever it takes, Lord, I pray. Amen.
Hi Pam! I know that you are going through so much now with your son’s illness. I know that God loves your prayer “Whatever it takes Lord”. What more can he ask of you?
You are in my prayers my friend. May he make you strong for your journey every day.
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil I have been to the site where those pools are located. They are not much to look at now but just to stand in the place where this story took place was wonderful. Now to read your wise account of it and the gems you have dug out from the scriptures makes the whole picture. A well written post and worthwhile read.
Hi Betty! Wow, what a trip that must have been. Just to be there and think about how busy and faith-filled that place was would be an amazing moment.
I’m so happy that you liked the post today, and thought it was worthwhile. Maybe it brought back happy memories for you too.
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
I find in scripture that Jesus heals in many different ways…but he does heal. I think he meets each person where they are at…deals with them in individual ways. at times he meets us half way…we do our part and he finishes it… Interesting post Ceil…your post make me think and reflect.
Hi Dee! Oh yes, Jesus is the healer. And we need different kinds of healing at different times in our lives, don’t you think? Sometimes physical, sometimes spiritual or a broken relationship.
I like the point you made about us doing ‘our part’ and then he finishes it. I think that’s true. Of course, he heals through prayer also, because sometimes we can’t make any steps, and he provides a miracle.
To him is the wisdom, and the way that is best.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment Dee. It makes me think!
Have a good night,
Ceil
Yes and amen! Jesus came not only to save, but to deliver and heal. It took me a while to understand that it’s all part of the package, that this is what salvation means. Thanks for the inspiration!:)
Hi Karen! Amen to your comment about all that Jesus is doing for us. I don’t know that I understand it all the way, but he is everything…as you said, healer, deliverer and Savior. That sure is salvation!
I’m glad you liked the post and could use it for inspiration. I love that!
Have a good night
Ceil
Dear Ceil
You truly do inspire!
Wonderful post, thank you dear lady.
Hi Margie! Thank you so much for your encouraging comment, I really appreciate it.
Have a peaceful night
Ceil
Amen!
Great message.
Hi TC! Thank you so much!
Have a peaceful night
Ceil
This is such rich practical nuggets Ceil. Like you, I have sat by waiting for God to send to along aide when he was probably waiting for me to move out in faith steps.
Hi Wanda! It’s an interesting dilemma sometimes. But it does make sense that the Lord would want a partner. Someone with the faith to get started, and know he’ll help.
Hope you have a great day
Ceil
I love how Jesus asked questions so often sometimes to make even his enemies stop and think with no answer that wouldn’t incriminate themselves. Wish I could be more like Him.
Hi Deb! Our Lord really is the master of questions isn’t he. And always boils it down to the clear truth. I wish I could be like him too!
Have a great Wednesday!
Ceil
OK, I’m considering this a healthy, spiritual *kick in the pants* – yeah, I need to just get up and walk.
This is a great post, and I’m taking it to heart. I’ve got to stop sitting by the Sheep Pool. Faith requires walking. Yup.
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! The Lord knows the burden you are carrying Sharon. He’ll wait for you to be ready to walk.
I’m glad you liked the post though, and feel that you can use it. Bless you my friend.
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
Ceil,
yes, faith in action…Thank you.
Great application…I forget sometimes God wants me to act and to participate in my healing
Hi Dolly! Thank you for your kind comment. I know that I forget sometimes. I think he wants me to have the kind of faith that moves me first, knowing he’ll come after me!
Have a peaceful night
Ceil