Subscription Lists

In the Word

    by Chuck Livermore

A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda
Date Posted: June 23, 2009

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"

The sick man answered Him, "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."

Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed."

He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.'"

Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. John 5:1-15 NKJV


So much of our time is taken earning a living, that if we didn’t have a special day each week to focus on God, we would soon forget Him. The purpose of the Sabbath was to remind the people each week that our provision is not from our efforts, but from the Lord. Jesus, however, focused on God every day of the week. Every day was a Sabbath for him. He disentangled Himself from the affairs that distract us so and focused on doing His Father’s will. Jesus knew that the Sabbath was not a respite from the will of God, but the very day that God’s will should be foremost in our thoughts. The Pharisees misapplied the Sabbath restrictions to cease from activity. God’s intention is the Sabbath should be filled with His activity.

Take a day this week to get out of the rut of work and chores and focus on God’s will for your life. You may find a greater purpose than bringing home a paycheck, washing the car, or keeping the lawn manicured. You may discover His will for you.

Was this article helpful?
Rate it:

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

How Great Is Your Need Today?

Read Article »
Biography Information:
Chuck Livermore's knowledge of the word is the result of a lifetime of study and reading. He is part of Galilee South Community Church, a multi-ethnic congregation in South Denver. He attended Wayland Baptist University and has participated in world evangelism through research of unreached peoples.
Got Something to Share?
LiveAsIf.org is always looking for new writers. Whether it is a daily devotional or a weekly article, if you desire to encourage others to know Him better, then signup to become a contributor.