Scripture

Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.”  John 5:8

Observation

Here is this man, crippled, and lying by the pool Bethesda. He wants to get in the pool that he may get healing for his being crippled. But, because he is crippled, whenever the angel stirs the water, he can’t get in. He is dependent on having others put him in. But he doesn’t have anyone.

He is despairing. He is alone.

Jesus comes along and sees all this. He asks the man, “Do you wish to get well?”

I imagine in my mind while reading this, that the man starts whining. “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water… But while I am coming another steps down before me.”

Jesus’ response? “Get. Up.” Just do it He implies. It’s as if He challenges the man to stop wallowing around making excuses. “Pick up your pallet.” Get off your rear end and stop waiting for others to rescue you. “And walk.” Look around and tell people about Me. You need to move about.

Application

I need to hear, and obey, Jesus telling me to get up. Far too long, I have been just wallowing around in my own despair waiting to be rescued. I know what to do. Get up. Tell someone about Him.

Prayer

Lord, command me to get up. Help me to find someone to tell about You.

In Jesus’ Name… Amen.