DAY 23: THE RICHES OF GOD’S MERCY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT II- THE LAME MAN

 THE RHEMA WORD FOR TODAY

(A DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH PREACHER SAM)

 

TOPIC: THE RICHES OF GOD’S MERCY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT II- THE LAME MAN

DATE: 23 SEPTEMBER, 2021

BIBLE READING: JOHN 5:1-15

VERSE FOR MEDITATION: JOHN 5:5 NLT

One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.

 

At the pool of Bethesda lie a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the water to be stirred up by an angel. And whoever that stepped in first was made well of whatever disease.

But on that day, Jesus only came to heal just one of them. This lame man was shown mercy. Don’t forget that Jesus had the power to heal all kinds of sickness and disease (Matt. 4:23, 24; 8:16; 9:35; 10:1; 12:15; Lk. 6:19; Acts 10:38). But on that day he was led by God to heal just one lame man. We get to understand this when you read on in that John 5 (vs. 19-21).

Salvation came to this lame man but he was still ignorant. Just like Lot, as we have discussed, this lame man encountered the sovereign mercy of God (Ref. Jn. 5:21; Rom. 9:18). And God’s sovereign mercy will always prevail over our ignorance.

Jesus knew that that man had been in that condition a long time, but his question was not really an enquiring question, though you must be willing before you can receive. But his question was a call to awareness, “Are you aware that mercy has found you?” But his response revealed that he wasn’t aware because his attention was on the pool. But the sovereign mercy of God overlooked his ignorance and brought him healing. Thirty-eight years of struggling to step into the stirred water first ended in a few seconds by just a declaration and by mercy.

Many of us have been struggling to succeed and gain victory over the storm of life for many year like this lame man, but we have forgotten that we have Jesus in our boat. “… for by strength shall no man prevail.” (1 Sam. 2:9). It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows if the Lord is not your builder or guard (Ps. 127:1-2).

The mercy of God is so rich. It ended thirty-eight years of struggle in a few seconds, He can also end yours and bring you your desired success, even more. If the whole universe was created within six days, how much more for you, a minute of all the universe? If the silliest things, your hairs, are all numbered (not counted), don’t you think the Father cares that you find rest in Him? (Matt. 10:30; Lk. 12:7).

 

PRAYER: Father, I come to you today to find rest. I cast all my cares on you because I know you care for me.

 

DECLARATION: I HAVE A GOD WHO IS CALLED THE FATHER OF MERCIES. IN HIM DO I PUT MY TOTAL TRUST IN.

 

JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAULINE’S EPISTLE: 2 THESSALONIANS 2-3; 1 TIMOTHY 1-2