I was speaking with my brother a few days ago and he brought this scripture to my attention. As we were discussing the text, we questioned what sickness the man (who Christ would later heal) suffered from? We say he was lame, but the Bible does not say this. The scriptures describe him as “impotent.” While we describe him as being lame, the word impotent simply means: lacking power or ability; ineffective or weak.
Unlike the account of Peter and John (Acts 3), where the Bible clearly says this man was lame from his mother’s womb, the man’s condition in this text is unknown. Later in the scriptures John says the man had an infirmity (vv 5) – but never does it say he was lame. This is something we add. To further cloud this man’s condition, when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be made whole, the man complained that he had no one to help him get into the pool when the angel came to trouble the water. Imagine your response after lying in a state of immobility for 38 years and someone asked you if you want to be made whole. I suspect I would have said, “YES!” yet this brother just complained! Jesus tells the man to, “…pick up your bed and walk.” Christ did not lay hands on the man; He did not pray for him. Jesus just encouraged him.
Before we denounce the man by the pool too much, did not Moses do the same thing? When the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, do you remember his response? First he said the people would not hear him. Then he questioned who God was and then he complained about his speaking ability. However, every excuse Moses came up with, the Lord had a response.
How many of us are guilty of making excuses? How many of us had ideas, but never followed through? How many of us are guilty of not responding to the call of God? How many of us blame someone else? How many of us delay or put it off until tomorrow?
The man in John 5 was lying on a bed. What does the bed symbolize to you? When I visualize the bed I see:
- A place of rest;
- A place of in-activity;
- A place where my eyes are closed and unaware;
- A place of comfort;
- A place where I am defenseless;
- A place where I am weak; and
- A place that can drain the very life out of me.
Jesus merely told the man to get up and walk.
My friend, I want to encourage you – the time is out for excuses. Everyone has suffered an injustice. We all can point to someone who we feel has wronged us. We can all point to a weakness or issue we have that is unfavorable or an experience we’re not too proud of. However, the call of God yet remains. The assignment you have been called unto has not been cancelled. Yes, we may be frightened or feel inadequate, but that’s when the Lord does His best work. The Bible says, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (II Corinthians 12:9).
My brother and sister, the work is already done in us. Whatever you are running from, holding back or putting off, believe in the Lord. Get up from where you are and take your rightful place in God. There are no more excuses; you are accountable for you. It’s time we stop making lame excuses – the work of the Lord requires haste. Please do not wait any longer, get up from where you are, start right now, and the Lord will perform the work in you!!
I bless you in the name of the Lord,
Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr., Founder & Pastor
Holiness Tabernacle COGIC