Along the Bank of the River

~~~ Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 ~~~ Psalm 46 ~~~ John 5:1-16 ~~~

Water seems to be the focus for both readings today.

The prophet Ezekiel tells of being led deeper 

and deeper into the water.

The angel coaxes him to keep walking into the water 

with each step it rises around him...

first ankle deep, then knee deep, waist deep

until it is too deep to keep walking.

 ...the water had risen so high it had become a river

that could not be crossed except by swimming.

There is no nearby bridge to cross this river.

The angel guides him to sit on the river bank 

where the richness and abundance of God is revealed.

Everywhere this water flows beauty and life flourish.

It is a perfect picture of God's goodness.

Stopping to sit alongside the river gives the angel 

a chance to spotlight all that is good because 

of the flowing water...the rising waters.

It would be good for us to also stop and rest 

awhile in the goodness of God.

When the waters of life are rising all around us...

When we want to escape...

When we fear death by drowning is eminent...

pause for a moment, let the serenity of God calm your soul. 

God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed...

Jesus passes by the crippled man sitting near the pool of healing water.

Jesus has noticed him on previous occasions, but

today Jesus initiates conversation with this man.

“Do you want to be well?”

The answer might seem obvious to us but does this man

truly want to be healed or is he resigned

to remain a victim of his illness.

Jesus' question invites this man to claim his healing.

The moment he decides to claim his healing 

he is able to pick up his mat and walk away.

At first the man thought to be healed 

he had to first get into the pool of water.

Then he brought me to the bank of the river, 

where he had me sit.

Along the bank of the river

 I saw very many trees on both sides.

What this man realized was that his desire 

needed to be aligned with the desire 

Jesus had for him to be healed.

Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath which 

was technically forbidden.

According to Jewish law

 one is not allowed to 'work' on that day.

Healing and carrying a mat were in effect breaking the law.

When are you most likely to extend joy to another?

Why would something so important as healing 

a person not be allowed?

This man no longer needed to remain near the pool.

Now he could take his only belonging, his mat,

and go back to his home.

Jesus is near to all those who are in need of his healing.

Jesus is here for you in your time of distress.

He blesses us every day.

~~~Peace~~~

Have You Looked Beyond the Rising Waters?

~~~ Ezek. 47:1-9, 12 ~~~ Psalm 46 ~~~ John 5:1-16 ~~~

Rising waters on all sides...ankle deep, knee deep, waist deep, over the top of your head, swimming is the best alternative...
the first thoughts that come to mind for me here is the feeling of being overwhelmed with life. We try to be so strong but life has a way of smothering us with issues.

Spouse, work, children, parents, friends, neighbors, faith community, personal health, finances, automobile repairs, household chores, recreation...
How many ways can one individual handle life when the dump truck unloads all at the same time, right in your front yard? It makes you just want to curl up in a ball and hide, but you know you cannot.

You begin to notice there is a bank along this river and lining this bank are the trees of hope. This bank is rich with new life...leafy green fruit trees. The river is home to abundant fish and wildlife. Life is good if we look beyond the rising waters. God is providing; he is extending his care for all who come to the waters.

Come! sings the psalmist, "behold the deeds of the Lord, the astounding things he has wrought on earth."

The crippled man waiting to enter into the pool was overwhelmed and discouraged at not being able to carry himself to the water. Jesus speaks to the man causing him to look up. When you change your focus up to Jesus be prepared for your life to change as well. Jesus calmly said, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
Beside the waters God will provide for he is the Living Water...the water that daily sustains our life.

When you experience healing there comes a new responsibility. Your time of waiting has ended and now begins your time of action. You cannot keep this healing a secret you want to praise God for his goodness. This healing validates that you are loved and cared for by God. Whatever the nature of healing you need in your life it is possible to receive.

The healing of the heart may be the most profound healing of all.
When your heart is healed and cleansed with the living waters;
how can you deny having Joy in the Lord?

When the waters are rising all around you look for the Lord along the river bank.
He will be there with leafy green fruit bearing trees.
Hope lies near the Living Waters.