Evening, May 7
Go To Morning Reading
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
John 5:8
Like many others, the impotent man had been waiting for a wonder to
be wrought, and a sign to be given. Wearily did he watch the pool,
but no angel came, or came not for him; yet, thinking it to be his
only chance, he waited still, and knew not that there was One near
him whose word could heal him in a moment. Many are in the same plight:
they are waiting for some singular emotion, remarkable impression,
or celestial vision; they wait in vain and watch for nought. Even
supposing that, in a few cases, remarkable signs are seen, yet these
are rare, and no man has a right to look for them in his own case;
no man especially who feels his impotency to avail himself of the
moving of the water even if it came. It is a very sad reflection that
tens of thousands are now waiting in the use of means, and ordinances,
and vows, and resolutions, and have so waited time out of mind, in
vain, utterly in vain. Meanwhile these poor souls forget the present
Saviour, who bids them look unto him and be saved. He could heal them
at once, but they prefer to wait for an angel and a wonder. To trust
him is the sure way to every blessing, and he is worthy of the most
implicit confidence; but unbelief makes them prefer the cold porches
of Bethesda to the warm bosom of his love. O that the Lord may turn
his eye upon the multitudes who are in this case tonight; may he forgive
the slights which they put upon his divine power, and call them by
that sweet constraining voice, to rise from the bed of despair, and
in the energy of faith take up their bed and walk. O Lord, hear our
prayer for all such at this calm hour of sunset, and ere the day breaketh
may they look and live.
Courteous reader, is there anything in this portion for you?