"Get up..."

John 5:6-9, When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

It’s amazing to consider this exchange, for this man had pursued his own method for thirty-eight years and could not see beyond it. Jesus has a very simple question for him and his answer is not unlike our own: limited. Fortunately, what is impossible for man is possible with God. Jesus pretty much ignores his reply and instead of helping him into the water gives him a divine command! And to his credit, this man obeys. Are we willing to obey His command, or will we continue within our own limits?

Give us Your perspective on all that we do and say to bring glory to Your name, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary