Do you suffer?

READ JOHN 5

Do you suffer? Do you want to get well. Do you want to be restored? Many of us struggle with illness, pain, despair and grief. For some of us this can become a daily focus, a negative anchor, and one that keeps us from moving forward. The world will tell you that you don’t need healing, you need a change in state. The world will tell you to heal thy self for you have that ultimate power. The world will tell you that if you do not do it no one else will or to keep looking for someone who is smarter than the last physician, psychiatrist, counselor or spiritual advisor that you consulted with.

The world is wrong. In John 5 we will see Jesus, the great physician heal an invalid, blind for 38 years and through this miracle show how he is equal with God, having the power to restore and give life. Have you been blind your whole life... blind to sin, blind to the need for a savior, blind to God’s ultimate power over all of creation? We all have been at some point in our lives and many of us are still there.

In the first 13 verses of John 5 we see how Jesus brings both physical and spiritual healing through the truth and miracle of his word. He heals an invalid who had waited 38 years to be healed by the help of others. After Jesus heals him, he is told to walk by Jesus and quit sinning. You may think that 38 years is a long time for others to do something for you – for others to take you to a pool to be healed but isn’t that how many of us are. Always waiting for something better to come along, for that next big break, for that next special person in our lives. Jesus shows us here that only he can heal us and bring true fulfillment to our lives. Only he can make us see the truth in this dark world.

In what part of your life is Jesus calling you to get up and walk? Where is he directing you to go? What repetitive sin do you need to leave behind on this journey?

In the next 15 verses of John 5 we read of Jesus as he testifies that he is the Son of God sent to do God’s will. We learn that He offers judgment, freedom and life to those who believe. In this passage Jesus clearly spells out many biblical truths. There is no debate as you read these verses as he tells us that hearing, believing and receiving Him is the only path to salvation. Is this contrary to what you believe? Are you looking for another avenue to salvation such as good works, gifts, maybe your own standard? The world will say that God is love so he also must accept me regardless of my ways. If you have difficulty with this re-read John 5:16-30 and have a debate with God through prayer and see what he reveals to you!

After reading these verses we are lead to many good questions. Where does your salvation lie? How can the will of God be better played out in your life?

In the last 15 verses of John 5 we see the ultimate example of the consequences of a hardened heart unwilling to accept the truth presented by Jesus himself. We see that despite the testimony of John, the work of God, God himself and the scriptures, the Jews lacked the ability in their hearts to believe. Jesus Christ himself states that he is a light leading unto salvation in verse 31 and he points out the simple truth that the heart and not the mind must be willing and motivated to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Are you dealing with Jesus with your mind and not your heart? Are you like the Jews, holding onto something inside you that refuses to let go and let Jesus be Lord and Savior in your life?

Do you suffer? Do you want to get well. Do you want to be restored? What further proof do you need to believe in the power of Christ in your life?

Amen