John 5:1-3 - No More Excuses
The Pools of Bethesda are a life source for what the bible says is a great number of people. Bethesda in Greek means “House of Mercy” or “House of Grace”. These people came to this pool of water, no doubt, to find mercy and grace through healing. Some may have come to this pool for days, months, if not years. The bible says, one of these men had been afflicted with an ailment for 38 years. This encounter that Jesus and this man have is not random. God chose this man to be healed by Jesus. Just like he chose us. The verse says he saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time. It doesn’t say he asked the people around there about this man. It says he saw him there and learned. Jesus asks this man, “Do you want to get well?”. Immediately the man gave Jesus excuses as to why he could not “get well”.
Think about ourselves. How long do we sit at the side of the pool and make excuses about why we can’t dip our feet in the living water? How often do we still make excuses today!? “I’m not ready to upend my life.” “I’m too old to change who I am.” “I don’t deserve joy.” “Those people are better than me.” God is always there waiting for his children to make the choice to jump in the pool! The choice to simply choose Him. Not just at your time of need, but all the time. We shouldn’t just sit at the side of the pool, waiting, but slowly work our way into the deep end.
Jesus forever willing, ends the excuses and heals this man on the spot telling him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” It says at once, the man was cured. He picked up his mat and walked. Meaning this man picked up his cross. Which means embracing self-sacrifice with no excuses and he began to walk with Christ. Not later, but right now!
Excuses are a choice. Action is a choice. Pursuing Jesus Christ boldly, unapologetically, and shamelessly should be our choice. Faith, belief and walking a narrow path to God is a movement. Brethren get some comfortable shoes on. God Bless!
-DW