John 5:1-16
In today’s reading, we read about an invalid man who was lying down near the pool of Bethesda, known for it’s healing powers when an angel of the Lord would come down to stir up its waters from time to time. The first person to enter the pool when the waters are stirred will be healed. The man reasons with Jesus that he’s unable to get healed because either there’s no one to help him into the pool or someone else always gets ahead of him. I do think that he gave up trying after some time and that’s why he had been in that paralyzed condition for 38 years.
The good news about this passage is this: where we fail and come to the end of ourselves, Jesus is present to revive us. Isn’t it wonderful to know that where we can’t, Jesus can! In fact, in the journey of faith there are moments when we have to come to the end of ourselves before we begin to experience God’s unfailing love. Often times we equate God’s work with our own efforts. When we get discouraged and lose heart, we feel that God has abandoned us and there is no more hope for us. We fail to see that God is much bigger than all our thoughts and emotions. Acknowledging He is God means recognizing His limitless power and love.
Reflection:
“There is no problem too big God cannot solve it; There is no mountain too tall He cannot move it,
There is no storm too dark God cannot calm it; There is no sorrow too deep He cannot soothe it.
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know my brother that He will carry you”
(Meditation by Rhema)