September 26, 2010 - Red Letters We Wish Were Gray: Get Up and Walk

Today marks the third week in this series we have been covering called: Red Letters We Wish Were Gray. In certain versions of the Bible, the publishers have opted to print all the words spoken by Jesus in red, to enhance them and help convey the authority they have been given. But, we, who like the freedom to pick-and-choose what is most palatable for our taste, often want to taker the liberty of picking out the sayings of Jesus that we like, or at least, have the liberty to translate them to fit our way of life and/or our understanding, so that they do not cause us any inconvenience. But, friends, that's just not they way it is. The words of Jesus are just that, words spoken by God, to God's people, and for God's people. They are not words to cause us harm, but to enable us to live life to the fullest.

Over the last couple of weeks, these red letters have stretched us to some uncomfortable positions, like, "Love Your Enemies," and "Forgive." For some of us, that put us in some foreign territory that we're just not too sure about. Give it time, trust that God knows what's best. God hasn't failed us before. Today's passage is going to sound a little strange though, because it stems from a question that almost seems silly. But again, open up your heart and mind to hear what God is speaking to you in this moment.

The passage comes from the Gospel of John 5:1-9a.

1 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 4 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 7 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 making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.

(Prayer)

***NOTE*** The message from this point on will be a dramatic rendition of the story. Therefore, this posting will be minimal, just providing major points

- We can get to a level of comfort in our misery
- We have counted on others to help us before
- We have seen others healed without ever being healed ourselves
- Because of past failures, we may think there is no hope therefore, why should we trust someone else
- There is something different about Jesus
- Though the healing is free, it is up to us to continue in good health
- Healing isn't just relegated to the physical realm. Healing can take place mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually
- Healing is the process of making you whole, complete, perfect
- Jesus gives life and life to the fullest
- With Jesus looking now at you, of what ailment is he asking if you want to be healed?
- Get Up and Walk