Rise Up And Walk

May 1, 2021

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”

~John 5:8~

We as americans tend to come up with an awful lot of excuses for our problems, dont we? We have raised a generation of people who whine, grumble and throw tantrums when they don't get their way. I am not even talking about the children only, I am referring to adults. We can see that even in the times when Jesus walked the earth, He too came across grown men with excuses and complaints they had waiting up their sleeve. I can remember as a child; if I ever hurt myself, usually by my own fault, my parents would instruct me to "get up and walk it off." I can't help but see that same tough love within the Lord in this story. He understands the importance of being willing to change. This man by the pool of Bethesda, paints a similar picture of society making excuses to just stay down where we are. Jesus came to lift us up. "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." (I Timothy 1:15)

We have no excuse, we are all on the ground until the Lord comes into our life. The Lord asked this man one simple question. Jesus looked down at this man and said; “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6)

Some would say, what a silly question that is of course this man wants to be made well! Unfortunately it isnt as easy as just wanting to but rather taking the initiative to proceed with action, to be willing to change and no longer be "the victim." Sometimes we get so used to our disfunction or disorder that when someone or something comes around to help us change it; our flesh reacts in frustration and we point fingers at others, projecting our emotions and getting too comfortable in our own lame state. "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." (John 5:40)

Jesus knew all about this man who had been laying by the pool, waiting for someone to put him in. He knew his every pain emotionally and physically, and He still simply asked him if he wanted to be made well. The man's response could of been a firm "yes!" His response was merely excuses, pointing fingers at other people claiming to be waiting for someone to help him into the pool. Here was Jesus, that someone willing to help and this man still did not instantly respond yes. We have to wonder, how many people actually passed by and offered help to this man and he complained to them as well? Perhaps this was his typical way of responding and that is why he had been laying there so long? Even Jesus can only help those who are willing to receive.

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21)

There comes a time where our own misery is caused by ourselves and we need to be told to "stand up and walk it off," just like I was told as a child. Are we currently too comfortable in our own disfunction? Are we making excuses for being stuck in the same situation? Are we disbelieving in the change the Lord can do for our own lives?

"Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word, But complained in their tents, And did not heed the voice of the Lord ." (Psalms 106:24‭-‬25)

The Lord gave this man mercy even as he complained. He is always willing to help us but we must be willing to accept the change. Some folks like being pitied it seems. I am not stating there are not tragic situations in peoples lives that are truely not caused by themselves, I am not trying to say all people make excuses. This word is directed at those of us who the Lord is waiting on rather then those who are waiting on the Lord. Some of our own repetitive complaints are due to our own inability to receive change or to make a change in ourselves. Perhaps the Lord sent many people along to help this man and he rejected them? Either way, Jesus showed mercy in a way that was tough love. Jesus told him to rise up and walk. It's a good thing this man listened to Jesus. He is reaching out to so many of us telling us to rise up and walk. Are we holding ourselves back from receiving all that He has to offer us in fear of changing? Are we getting too comfortable in our own disfunction? Do we want to be made well? "Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; Yes, your own lips testify against you." (Job 15:6)

It is our choice to accept healing, restoration, rejuvenation and satisfaction in the Lord. It is our choice to make to use that gift we received to help others in the same way, so they may see the promises of God fulfilled in front of them as well.

"Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)

Let us make the choice not to make excuses for our own misery. Let us be the kind of christian that rises up and walks, praising God for what He is willing to do rather then looking for the next thing to be fixed for us.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for the mercy that lifts me up to walk even when I make excuses to stay down. I pray to learn how to set aside my own complaints and take Your hand to truely accept all that You are offering me. Holy Spirit I welcome Your guidance in each day that I may be quick to react and point fingers at others. I know I am blessed and that there is much patience that needs to be learned still. I choose to rise up and walk. I choose to grow in Your glory and not shrink in my own pity. I am praising You for being so faithful even as we as a people are so quick to remain in our own disfunction, You are striving to give freedom to all. Bless my brothers and my sisters who may be struggling to see the ones who are placed in front of them by You as a lending hand. Use us for Your glory Jesus. In Your gracious Name I receive all that You have for me today, Jesus Christ. Amen.