You're beliefs don't qualify you for God's blessings... but His grace does!
The sun was bright, set like a gem in the sapphire blue skies of spring.
A sick man lying down on a mat placed over stony ground looked up. He saw small clouds passing by and could only dream that his nightmare would end soon. For 38 years he was struck by a disease that left him relatively immobile and sickly. Here he was, by the pool of Bethesda, that some said had healing properties, where he hoped one day he could have too. His attention was peaked by the sight of an elegantly dressed, lively and solemn looking fellow approaching Him. He must have been somebody of repute since 12 men of various ages tagging along made up His entourage. The Man walked straight to him, as if he had been singled out.
"Do you want to get well?" The strange Man asked.
Taken aback at the forwardness of the question, the sickly fellow gathered his thoughts and slowly uttered in reply, "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 looked back at him with eyes gleaming with joy, grinned slightly and stooping down stretched forth His hand and said ""Rise, take up your bed and walk!"
Strength surged in the old man's body as he instinctively reacted to Jesus' words; with lighting speed he stood up! No one had noticed and before he knew it Jesus had slipped away into the crowds.
This healing of Jesus is very unique. Usually, there is a willingness on the part of the healed or their loved ones to receive healing, but this man was just lying down, thinking to himself. I can't say why Jesus picked this man, but one thing is immensely clear, that fellow had no idea even who Jesus was.
God's children today are loaded by burdens beyond number. "Before you can be blessed..." they are taught, "you must believe this and do that." So God's people are walking around thinking that the blessings of God must somehow be tied to their faith or works, to the right theology and beliefs. They read books and hear sermons and go to Bible studies here and there. Hey, those things aren't bad. But we make a great mistake when we elevate the theological beliefs we hold in our minds as the bed-rock of faith in our Father on which we stand.
Today, this is good news for you and I. It means Jesus has qualified you to receive not just a few gifts and pleasures, but even His kingdom. When He went on His final march up the hill of Golgotha, with the cross on His bloodied back, He had you in mind... He singled you out. And there on His body, both your sins and sickness were heaped up on Him so that you would rise and walk joyful with Him by your side! So don't accept the curse as your portion, instead, cherish the blessing of Christ that you've already received in Him... 2000 years ago!
"Do you want to get well?" The strange Man asked.
Taken aback at the forwardness of the question, the sickly fellow gathered his thoughts and slowly uttered in reply, "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 looked back at him with eyes gleaming with joy, grinned slightly and stooping down stretched forth His hand and said ""Rise, take up your bed and walk!"
Strength surged in the old man's body as he instinctively reacted to Jesus' words; with lighting speed he stood up! No one had noticed and before he knew it Jesus had slipped away into the crowds.
This healing of Jesus is very unique. Usually, there is a willingness on the part of the healed or their loved ones to receive healing, but this man was just lying down, thinking to himself. I can't say why Jesus picked this man, but one thing is immensely clear, that fellow had no idea even who Jesus was.
God's children today are loaded by burdens beyond number. "Before you can be blessed..." they are taught, "you must believe this and do that." So God's people are walking around thinking that the blessings of God must somehow be tied to their faith or works, to the right theology and beliefs. They read books and hear sermons and go to Bible studies here and there. Hey, those things aren't bad. But we make a great mistake when we elevate the theological beliefs we hold in our minds as the bed-rock of faith in our Father on which we stand.
Today, this is good news for you and I. It means Jesus has qualified you to receive not just a few gifts and pleasures, but even His kingdom. When He went on His final march up the hill of Golgotha, with the cross on His bloodied back, He had you in mind... He singled you out. And there on His body, both your sins and sickness were heaped up on Him so that you would rise and walk joyful with Him by your side! So don't accept the curse as your portion, instead, cherish the blessing of Christ that you've already received in Him... 2000 years ago!
"Surely our sicknesses he has borne, and our pains, He has carried them..."
Isaiah 53:4 (written 600 years before Christ came, but true till today)
By David Roiel
The Green Leaf Blog - Discover your inheritance!
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YES! I want it all!
Follow @DavidRoiel
The Green Leaf Blog - Discover your inheritance!
Want to get these posts by email, FREE e-Books, and much more?
Receive these devotionals, free e-Books (look for my frequent giveaways of books I publish on Amazon) and much more when you subscribe to our weekly newsletters! The secrets of Heaven are priceless... that's why they are freely given!
YES! I want it all!
Follow @DavidRoiel
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