7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” (John 5:7)
In the account of Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda, we find Jesus poses him the one question anyone who finds themselves in a hopeless and helpless situation longs to hear: "Do you want to be whole?"
What’s the man's reply? “I have no one…”
How could this be? This man was surrounded by people, but still he says: “I have no one”
This highlights the very sad truth, does it not, that one can be in the midst of a crowd - at work, on the sports field, on the bus, etc - and still feel lonely. One may find oneself in the midst of a congregation of people at Sunday worship and still feel lonely.
We all know how important it is to have someone – a good Christian brother or sister or friend – with whom we can share stuff when the going gets rough.
So the problem with the man in our text, was not that he was looking to others for help? The problem was that he had become so accustomed to looking to the "arm of flesh" for help that he did not realise that the healer, the giver of hope was standing in front of him. He did not realise that it was time for the object of his focus to change.
Not only was this man looking to others for help, there’s also a hint that he was trying to depend on himself. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” (v7)
Sir, you are missing the point! Change your focus! The giver of life and hope is standing before you!
Friend, does this sound familiar?
"I’ll be ok! I’ll do it on my own!I don't need anyone! I don't need God!"
Could I humbly invite you today to shift your focus to Jesus! He alone is the ultimate hope, healing and wholeness in your darkest moments.
From His heart to yours today, he says:
"Look to me! Stop looking only to others to help you into your miracle; stop looking to your own broken, hopeless and helpless self to find wholeness – look to me! Receive that which I offer you!"
PRAYER:
Lord, help me in my moments of brokenness
For wholeness, my eyes to you to turn.
Fan into flame the fire in my heart,
A child-like faith, afresh in me churn.
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