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Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
119
got his attention. He felt that in some way he was going to have help.
But the glow of encouragement soon faded. He remembered how
often he had tried to reach the pool. “Sir, I have no man to put me
into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming,
another steps down before me.”
[87]
Jesus did not ask this suffering man to exercise faith in Him. He
simply said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” But the man’s faith
took hold of that word. Every nerve and muscle in his crippled body
thrilled with new life. He set his will to obey Christ, and his muscles
responded. Springing to his feet, he discovered the he could move
freely and easily.
The Secret of Spiritual Healing
The man could have stopped to doubt and lost his one chance
of healing. But he believed Christ’s word, and in acting on it he
received strength. Through the same faith we may receive spiritual
healing. Sin has cut us off from the life of God and crippled us. By
ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than the sick
man was capable of walking. Many who realize their helplessness
and long for spiritual life are trying in vain to obtain it. The Savior
is bending over these discouraged, struggling ones, saying, “Do you
want to be made well?”
Do not wait to feel whole. Believe His word, and put your will on
the side of Christ. In acting on His word, you will receive strength.
Whatever may be the evil that binds both soul and body, Christ
is able to deliver. He will give life to the person that is “dead in
trespasses.”
Ephesians 2:1
.
The restored paralytic bent down to pick up his rug and blanket,
and when he straightened up, he looked around for his Deliverer.
But Jesus was lost in the crowd. As he hurried on his way with firm,
free step, rejoicing in his newfound strength, he told several of the
Pharisees of his cure. He was surprised at the coldness with which
they listened.
They interrupted him, asking why he was carrying his bed on the
Lord’s Day. In his joy, the man had forgotten it was the Sabbath. He
answered boldly, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your
bed and walk.’” They asked who had done this, but he could not tell.