don't be kept from god's blessings

DON’T BE KEPT FROM GOD’S BLESSINGS

John 5: 1-9

(John 5:1 KJV) "After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem."

(John 5:2 KJV) "Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches."

(John 5:3 KJV) "In these lay a great multitude of impotent (paralyzed )folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water."

(John 5:4 KJV) "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."

(John 5:5 KJV) "And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years."

(John 5:6 KJV) "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?"

(John 5:7 KJV) "The impotent ( paralyzed )man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."

(John 5:8 KJV) "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

(John 5:9 KJV) "And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath."

INTRODUCTION:

This must have been a very distressing scene. The Scripture I just read says that there was a very large crowd of sick people. All sorts of sick people. Crippled, blind, and paralyzed people. Scores of them.

Into this sad and depressing atmosphere came the Lord Jesus, on a mission. He always comes on purpose. Jesus never just happens to be somewhere. His ministry remains focused even now, as from the beginning.

He came to save, to deliver from bondage and to heal. Listen to how He described His purpose of ministry while reading aloud from the book of Isaiah in the Temple.

(Luke 4:17 KJV) "And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,"

(Luke 4:18 KJV) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,"

That plan and purpose has never changed.

In this event, He came prepared to perform a miracle of healing. In some places, He healed all that were brought to Him. (Mat 12:14 KJV) "Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him." (Mat 12:15 KJV) "But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;"

However, not at the Pool of Bethesda. There, He chose only one man.

Let’s consider this man and his helpless condition. Let’s see how much he mirrors people today, separated by 2,000 years of history.

Discouraged by the circumstances.

He was suffering from a 38 year illness.

He was surrounded by defeated and discouraged people.

His family and friends were apparently insensitive, or tired, of his need.

He was introverted and self degrading.

He Looked to the wrong source for his answer.

He depended upon a once a year, miracle working pool of water.

He hoped and waited for someone to help him. No help – no hope – no miracle.

He relied upon an unreliable world.

Jesus appears and chooses this man for a miracle healing.

The mercy of Jesus finds us where we are.

In the most desolate place; the most disheartening of situations.

He always comes to make us whole.

This man’s response was typical of what people say, even today.

"Someone else got my blessing." "I’m left out, again." -- "I try and try, to no avail." -- "I’m destined to be sick, or poor, or ( fill in the blank) forever."

He failed to recognize the True Healer and miracle worker.

His attention and mind remained focused upon the pool of water.

Like the present world, he was unprepared to believe Jesus.

Jesus ignored his complaint (like he does ours) and offered the answer he needed.

His command, demands the proper response.

"Take up your bed and walk." (What Has He commanded you to do?)

No doubt; no argument; to the point; do it now or remain in your present condition.

His future was determined by His answer.

So is yours.

Are you content to remain broken, wounded, ill, or infirm; spiritually crippled or emotionally traumatized? Well, don’t be !

Hear the Lord tell you today to, "Take up your bed and walk."

The Bible says that Jesus has the answer for you.

(Mat 11:28 KJV) "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

(Mat 28:18 KJV) "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

(Heb 13:8 KJV) "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

(1 Pet 3:22 KJV) "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."

(James 5:14 KJV) "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"

(John 15:7 KJV) "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

(Exo 15:26 KJV) "And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee."

(Psa 107:20 KJV) "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

((Eph 3:20 KJV) "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

(Eph 3:21 KJV) "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

(Rev 17:14 KJV) "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."