The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.” John 5:7 WEB
For those without faith in God, there is sometimes an overwhelming sense that “I have no one” to help me. With faith in God and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, there is always someone with us to help and guide us through this life.
Jesus gives a command and a promise recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 with these words, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
When we accept the challenge of sharing the good news of Jesus with the world, we receive Christ’s pledge to support us. His promise, “I am with you always” encourages the faithful to know that we are never alone. This is a promise the Jews received that is recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. Paul quotes Deuteronomy in Hebrews 13:5 writing, “Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you. WEB”
Sin and Suffering
We do not know what sin the sick man Jesus healed in chapter five of the gospel of John is guilty of but we do know that his ailment was related to sin. Also, we know that he felt isolated and separated from the support of others. We know this from his statement, “I have no one to put me into the pool.”
The connection of sin to the man’s suffering is made clear from Jesus’ later encounter with him recorded in John 5:14 which says, ‘Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you. WEB”
Jesus healed the man who for four decades suffered in sickness. Forgiven and healed, Jesus’ command is to avoid sin. The miracles Jesus performed proved his divinity. Our following of his commands and obedience prove our sincere belief in him.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the clarity of your word. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Help me to live by your commandments. Guide me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Father of Lies
