He Only Healed One…

He only healed one…

As we read:
John 5:1 ¶ After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

So we skip down to verse:
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

Then read verse:
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

So Jesus sought to only do the will of our heavenly Father.

Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

So we read the familiar account of the man crippled, awaiting healing, at the pool of Bethesda, who had been crippled for 38 years, reportedly unable to enter the water when the healing angel troubled, for tradition said, that only the first one into the water after the angel came, would be healed.

In the faith camp, I have heard this story preached many ways with wonderful insights:

1. Who said, only the first person into the pool when the angel troubled the waters would be healed? Since the kingdom of God operates according to faith, could not others have been healed upon entering the water, had they exercised faith in God.

2. Do you want to be healed? Jesus question to the man is eternal, for in the ministry of divine healing, we discover that many people say they want to be healed, but when questioned a little closer, they are not willing to let go of their ‘disability’ checks or pensions, should healing occur. They are sick and suffering, but not yet sick and tired of being sick and tired. Until they honestly want to be healed, and let go of their excuses, God will not violate their free will, and heal them.

3. This is a perfect illustration to teach on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that only operate ‘as he wills’. We are to desire them, but we cannot manufacture them. God loves and deals with each and every person uniquely and separately, and as ministers, we can operate in the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit, but we all know the ‘they are HIS gifts’. He is God, we are His servants, and apart from Him, we can do nothing.1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. However, as we learn to move in the power of the Holy Spirit, we discover that He is a lot more willing to demonstrate His power, and distribute His gifts, than many give Him credit for.

4. Jesus only did the will of the Father.
John 5: 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

This is where I want to park today, for there is great victory and freedom in it.

Every day, when I owned my company, I was bombarded by sales people trying to sell me the latest and greatest, missionaries and charitable causes looking for a donation, employees wanting a raise or a bonus, clients wanting a discount, suppliers selling materials, or requesting payment, and then the myriad needs of suffering humanity that seem to be ever before us as leaders.

Where do I spend my time and money ?

This is the eternal question.

Well as one seasoned minister said, almost comically: ‘The answer to this, and countless other questions in life is simply: Be led’

Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Mt 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Jesus said we will hear His voice:

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
There is great freedom in a daily journey with Jesus. We are only responsible to do, what He asks, that day, and His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

‘But last year you supported us!” or ‘You used our company last time!” or ‘I deserve this raise, or I am going to quit!” are simply pleas of people to be brought before God.

Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

If we are walking with God, we are only responsible to do what we believe He is asking us to do. Generally (but not always), when someone demands I make a decision right away, my answer is always, NO!

I will not be intimidated, manipulated, pushed, or coerced into making any decision, outside the will of God for my life.

If someone must have an answer today, the only answer I am willing to give is: “I will pray about it”

I am honest, and pray I do. God speaks, and I listen.

Joh 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day ye will hear his voice,

Heb 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Heb 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

There would be much tragedy avoided, if all of us, did this one simple thing. Pray, then listen, and do what He says.

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, all Your paths are peace, as we love You. Cause us to hear Your voice, and give us grace and strength to say NO! To every other competing voice. Jesus, I believe you are my Shepherd, my Lord, my personal pastor, that no matter how great You make me, I am your child, and You are my Lord. Speak to me today, strengthen me to not be moved by circumstances, but only by Your Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen!

If you would like to study more on HOW to be led by the Spirit of God, Biblically, here are some teachings I have produced: