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The Ministry of Health and Healing
the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another
steps down before me.’”
Jesus commands him, “‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’”
Verses 6-8
. With new hope the sick man looks at Jesus. The ex-
pression of His countenance, the tones of His voice, are like no
other. Love and power seem to breathe from His very presence. The
cripple’s faith takes hold upon Christ’s word. Without question he
sets his will to obey, and as he does, his whole body responds.
Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action
comes to his crippled limbs. Springing to his feet, he goes on his
way with firm, free step, praising God and rejoicing in his newfound
strength.
Jesus had given the palsied man no assurance of divine help. The
man might have said, “Lord, if You will make me whole, I will obey
Your word.” He might have stopped to doubt, and thus have lost his
one chance for healing. But no, he believed Christ’s word, believed
that he was made whole. Immediately he made the effort, and God
gave him the power. He willed to walk, and he did walk. Acting on
the word of Christ, he was made whole.
By sin we have been separated from the life of God. Our souls
are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy
life than was the crippled man capable of walking. Many realize
their helplessness. Longing for that spiritual life that will bring them
into harmony with God, they are striving to obtain it. But in vain.
In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver
me from this body of death?”
Romans 7:24
. Let these desponding,
struggling ones look up. The Savior is bending over the purchase of
His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, “Do you
want to be made well?” He bids you arise in health and peace.
Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Savior’s
word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in
acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be
the evil practice, the master passion that through long indulgence
binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will
impart life to the soul that is “dead in trespasses.”
Ephesians 2:1
. He
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will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and
the chains of sin.