September 27 - Grace & Mercy.

John 5:6-7
“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? 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.”
 
Sin can cripple and immobilize us in such a way that we are helpless on our own. This impotent man who had an infirmity for 38 years lay beside the Pool of Bethesda hoping someone would help him reach the water.
 
This pool was beside the sheep market in Jerusalem and had five porches. It was well known for having a great multitude of people gathered upon the porches awaiting an angel that would come and trouble the water. It was a custom that the first person to step in after the troubling of the water “was made whole of whatever disease he had”.
 
Because of his infirmity, this impotent man routinely missed the opportunity to be healed at the water. This was before Jesus went up to Jerusalem…upon seeing him lie, Jesus asked him a simple question, already knowing his answer.
 
“Wilt thou be made whole?”
The man must not have realized Who had asked him the question or His ability to heal him without even touching the water. Jesus showed this man grace.
 
“Sir, I have no man”
He made an excuse. Just as we tend to make excuses when Jesus asks us a question. Thankfully, just as He does with us, Jesus did not just leave the man in his disabled state. He allowed him to give his reasoning, and then commanded him to do something. Jesus showed this man mercy. Instead of making an excuse this time, the man simply obeyed and the results were life changing.
 
“Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
Immediately the infirmity left the impotent man, and he took up his bed, and walked just as Jesus had told him to do so.
 
The number of porches of the Pool of Bethesda was not by accident or coincidence. There were five resting places for the people in need of healing, in need of the grace of salvation.
 
The word Bethesda in the Hebrew tongue refers to a “house of mercy”. The impotent man was shown mercy that day when Jesus visited him beside the pool.
 
The Pool of Grace & The House of Mercy.
 
It is the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ which daily carries us through. Where would we be without His grace and mercy?
 
 
Bible Reading:
Isaiah 33-34  |  Romans 10  |  Psalm 59