Get Up and Move

There are some parables and stories in the Bible that make an impact on me every time I read them. One such story is the one about the paralyzed man who camped out near the healing pool of Bethesda. (John 5:1-18)

“One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, “Do you want to get well?”

 The sick man said, “Sir, when the water is stirred, I don’t have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in.”

Jesus said, “Get up, take your bedroll, start walking.” The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.” (John 5:1-9 MSG)

Do we want to get well? Or are we going to continue to make excuses?

If you feel paralyzed, invalid, ineffective…listen to what Jesus says:

-Get Up—Pick yourself up; no more of this lying around feeling sorry for yourself.

-Take your Bedroll— your bedroll is whatever has enabled you to stay comfortable in your rut. Don’t leave this behind or else you’ll be tempted to go back to it.

-Start Walking—take that first scary step.

And if you happen to be so lucky as to have some holy intruders to nudge you along, then pay attention to their suggestions.