John 5:1-9

John 5:1-9 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie — the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “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.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

The Holy Spirit of God speaks constantly to his children. To hear his still small voice, we must have ears to hear and hearts to believe his message. Today, the Spirit says, "I make your life worth living. I will lead you in green pastures beside still waters. I have a bountiful table set before you." He speaks, yet we may not have ears to hear or eyes to see. We run here and there as the world does, looking for a new revelation, a new way to cope with the pressures of life and our own inclinations to sin. Later in John Jesus says, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (14:6) As you start a new year, you may look ahead optimistically, hoping for a fresh start. You might also look back at the many difficulties, hardships, and trials from last year, saying, "I felt abandoned, lonely, at times alienated from God. I sat waiting for the stirring of the water, yet no one came to help me into the pool." Perhaps you spent hours there, dreaming, hoping, wishing for new beginnings, longing to step into the living water; but you thought you needed help, and no one came to your aid. People let you down (friends, relatives, your spouse, the pastor, or your Bible study leader), so you just sat there, despairing your life and recounting the failings of those you trusted to help fulfill the dreams and visions of your innermost being.

Today's story illustrates that Jesus is all we need. When He comes by the pool or into a dark room, He radiates light, the fulness of the Godhead. No situation is too difficult for the Light of Heaven: He comes with power and resurrection life; through him we overcome. When the elders in Revelation ask the identity of the great multitude praising God, the Spirit answers: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7: 14-17) Christ never leaves us: He alone brings hope, peace, and victory to our lives. He says: Behold, I make all things new! (Revelation 21:5) He gives us the Spirit, our Comforter and Guide with all wisdom, knowledge and power. Through Christ, our hope of glory and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can arise from our bed of sorrows, step out from our prison cell, and forsake all that distracts and defeats us. In Christ, you stand blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15).

You might protest that despite your trust in God, sitting beside the pool remains your daily reality. Child of God, it is up to you to change your beliefs and to change your dwelling place. Jesus paid the price for you to walk away from the pool through the Sheep Gate. He is always near, watching over his family. Through Christ you shine brighter than any galaxy you can imagine where the stars shine for the glory of the Lord. You shine brighter than any Christmas tree you have seen as you reflect God's glory--the Chicana Glory of God! We are eternal beings, now and forever, as the Spirit gives us power and authority. God broke up the heavens and sent the Bright and Morning Star, that we might live and shine for him. But we must BELIEVE, UNDERSTAND, AND FULLY EMBRACE GOD'S PLAN! The invalid waited thirty-eight years for his life to change, hoping to walk again. In those many years, he probably wondered if his life was worth living: Jesus proved it was. As he picked up his mat and walked, we must arise and follow Christ. He abides in us and we in him. Nothing can hold us back except our own unbelief. No sickness, no depression, no hurt, no financial problem can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Victory is ours: arise and shine, for the light has come! Amen!