There he lay… the epitome of weakness and misery… waiting with many others for the fleeting moment when freedom could be theirs. He lifted his head every now and then to gaze pensively at the still waters of the pool, hoping against hope that the next time those waters rippled in that strange fashion he could somehow reach them first. But alas, the object of his hope and effort only drained the last dregs of his strength, and there he lay still... a prisoner of circumstances. Ever hoping, ever wishing, ever trying, yet ever a prisoner.
But then the words… “Wilt thou be made whole?” The face bending over him that emanated deep compassion ignited new hope in his heart. Made whole? Made whole… Oh the joyous thought! But all at once the countless unsuccessful attempts to reach the healing waters flashed before him, and he reminds the Stranger pragmatically that it is not realistically possible.
But the Man standing over him holds the power to make what is not practically possible Divinely possible, when coupled with human effort. He speaks again. “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
A simple command.
He didn’t even say, “if you have the faith of a mustard seed...”
Just a simple instruction.
And nothing happened when Jesus spoke those words. He was still a paralytic. But the Lord had spoken. And those words had the power to completely change his life… if he would act upon them by faith. As he lay there in utter weakness, he decided to obey. And the very instant human will commanded human weakness to obey the voice of God, those motionless limbs thrilled with new strength, and he found himself a healed man.
So many times we are like that poor paralytic. Ever hoping, ever wishing, ever trying, yet ever a prisoner of circumstances. We wait for conditions to “get better.” We pine. But our Heavenly Father is a wise father, and He will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. Not that all the human effort in the world can accomplish anything but disaster, but when in faith human effort merges with Divine power, miracles happen. And Jesus is as ready now to work miracles as He was when He walked this earth.
So friend, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Jesus has spoken, and there is no need for delay. “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
“My grace is sufficient for thee. My strength is made perfect in weakness.” *
* 2 Corinthians 12:9
* 2 Corinthians 12:9
