“Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool called Bethzatha (Bethsaida) in Aramaic, which has five covered walkways. 3 A great number of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying in these walkways. 5 Now a man was there who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and when he realized that the man had been disabled a long time already, he said to him, “Do you want to become well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get into the water, someone else goes down there before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and started walking. (Now that day was a Sabbath.)” John 5:2-9 New English Translation
God our healer,
I wonder about the disabled man who had been visiting the pool for many, many years and cannot get to the front of the queue. And we can empathise with someone who has probably lost heart and yet still goes to this place daily! But Jesus asks Him if he still wants to get well. He does not answer yes as you would expect. He gives an excuse. It is not his fault, no-one in 38 years has helped him get in the water in time. I know sometimes I would like to find someone or something else to blame for my problems. Sometimes it is no ones fault.
I wonder why he didn’t just say yes, yes I want to be well? Had it just become familiar his way of life? And he saw no other way that day as he’d missed the water being stirred. Even though Jesus was stood right before Him. Not someone who could lift him into the water but who is the healing water of life.
Help us not look back to what might have been. Help us not to carry judgement of those who could have helped. Help us to see You are standing here with us today and put our trust in You. Yes we want to be healed of hurt and sin. Yes we want to go with You. Direct us away from past disappointments to future hope. Raise us to our feet Lord to walk held, guided and healed by You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who heals,
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God our healer,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Raise them up today to see hope and goodness, joy and You.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. A day of answered prayer.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Calm and stability for all Parliamentarians.
For all those preparing for the Paris Olympics. Behand the scenes and those who will take part.
For Gaza, Middle East, continuing peace talks, negotiations and a way forward in peace.
Ukraine. Send a miracle, soften Putin’s hard heart. And his officials and generals and advisors.
For all those having medical treatment today be their peace and healing along with the doctors.
For those who are facing difficult circumstances today be their calm and strength and comfort.
For those who care for others and do the lifting and feeding and washing.
For us: Help us to give the why questions that cannot be answered to You and trust You for today.
Worship Thursday 11th July 2024
All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.
Let every kindred and every tribe
On this terrestrial ball,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all.
Oh, that with all the sacred throng
we at his feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.
Lyrics: Edward Perronet