When this stranger walked up to him, the invalid didn’t recognize Jesus…for they had no relationship. But following the miracle, Jesus sought him out, again affirming his healing. It was during this conversation that the man became certain of who Jesus truly was…and now suddenly, he “knew” Jesus… for this stranger had become his Lord and Savior.
Tag: jesus
John 5:8 ” Then Jesus said to him, ‘ Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’
Jesus literally said to the man…Rise up from the dead! Take up that old place you’ve made yourself comfortable in and live again! But the important next step was up to the man, not Jesus…for it says that,” at once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” His active faith caused healing, and he walked in that healing…all the way home.
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?’ “
Around the Pool of Bethesda the sick, infirmed and disabled gathered…this particular man had been there for over 30 years. So why did Jesus ask him such a silly question? On the surface, why wouldn’t he want to be healed…but Jesus wasn’t just asking him if he wanted to be well, He was asking if he had any hope left. The power of hope is amazing. While there is still hope, anything is possible, and God can move in miraculous ways. For it says in Ecclesiastes 9:4,” Anyone who is among the living has hope.” It’s only when hopelessness takes over that we become powerless and apathetic. There is tremendous, transforming power in hope…hang on to it.
Revelation 19:10 ” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Jesus declared with absolute authority concerning His Father…He bore witness about God as only He could do. But with Jesus in your heart and the Holy Spirit dwelling within, you too can tell forth God’s Word to His people. So many times God gives us a word for someone, but we sit and rationalize it away and do nothing. You may not consider yourself a prophet, but that doesn’t mean God can’t still use you.
Job 42:5 ” My ears have heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.”
You may have heard about Jesus all your life…you allow His name to go in one ear and out the other, completely disregarding what He’s done for you… until that fateful day when circumstances bring you face to face with the cold reality of your own sinfulness. In the mist of your wretchedness, Jesus extends His hand, and suddenly recognition of the truth and revelation of Jesus allows you to see your Savior for the very first time. Finally, you not only have heard of Him… you now know Him.
I Corinthians 15: 45 ” The first man Adam became a living being, the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit.”
In the very beginning God breathed life into the body of Adam, and to this day, each breath of ours belongs to God. But when Jesus came to the earth, He offered us something new…He breathed life into our dead Spirits, and enabled the Holy Spirit to come and dwell inside. By His death and resurrection, He gave us eternal Life, and a chance to live with Him forever.
Colosians 2: 6-7 ” So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Saying “Yes” to Jesus isn’t a one time deal, rather it’s a life-long journey that starts anew each morning you wake up and greet the new day. It’s a constant renewing of your faith in the Lord as you face each new challenge…your trust growing ever deeper as you see Him working in your life. Thank you Lord for your love and faithfulness!
Romans 10:17 ” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
You may hear about Jesus all your life…but it’s not until that knowledge comes alive within you, and true revelation of who He is causes you to believe what you’ve heard is trustworthy and true. Then that head knowledge of yours becomes heart knowledge as His word abides within you.
I John 2:6 ” Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”
Everyday people watch how you conduct your life…what comes out of your mouth may or may not have much impact on those around you. More times than not, it’s your walk that people notice. Do you walk as Jesus did? The Lord led by example, and He demonstrated what He taught in very real and tangible ways…and He wants us to do the same. There are many times when you won’t have to say a word… for your walk will speak volumes for you.
Luke 5: 10-11 ” Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.”
What stops us from following Jesus? Usually it’s fear…fear of the unknown, fear of the what if’s. But these brave disciples threw caution and common sense to the wind, and left everything behind to go with Jesus down those uncharted roads. If Jesus was to call you today to, “Follow Me!”…could you give up everything, and without looking back at what you had left, bravely link arms with Him and trudge forward down that unknown path together?
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