Quick, the water is stirring

The Pool of Bethesda lay just inside the north wall of Jerusalem near a small opening called the Sheep Gate. That’s where the sheep were washed before being taken to the sanctuary for an offering.  And that’s also where the sick and the physically disadvantaged lay by the pool waiting for the waters to stir, a sign that the first to get into the pool would be healed. One of them, an invalid, had waited expectantly by the pool for 38 years – that’s right, 38 long difficult years – waiting, BUT . . . and here is the sad part of the story . . . Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well and he answered, “Sir, I don’t have anyone to put me in the pool when the water begins to stir” (John 5:7). 
       A picture is beginning to form in my mind. I see a beautiful lake surrounded by expensive vacation cottages and lots of apparently happy people. They are wearing beautiful self-righteous clothing and telling one another how hard they have worked to become so morally acceptable that at the end of time they will be swept right into heaven. However, every now and the picture begins to fade and changes into what seems to be the same scene although now the lake has turned into a swamp and all the people are either blind or lame. They are huddled together in their dirty clothes looking so forlorn, although some seem to be waiting for something. Yes, sin has done its work, but deep in some hearts is a longing to believe what they were told, that is, if they can only get into the lake when the waters of conscience are stirred they will be cured of all that is wrong. But again and again when the water is stirred, there’s no one to help them get in. That is so sad.
       So there’s the double picture of the state of the human race. They were created to enjoy waters of Paradise, but they messed up everything with their decision that they knew better than God how to run things. They turned a lake into a swamp and the result was tragic. But Jesus came and drained that swamp of sin so now if they step in when the waters are stirred they can step out again onto the beautiful beach of redemption and enjoy the sunshine of eternity.   
       Some, however, need a bit of help and that is something that the rest of us can supply, at least should be able to supply. In case we need help at this point here is a little 3 step process The FIRST thing for us to do is to ALLOW GOD to develop within us a more sensitive awareness of the needs of others. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen apart from the Spirit. God has never been known to disregard the soul’s humble desire to be like Christ. Natural man may say he wants to grow spiritually – after all, that’s what’s everybody says on Wednesday night after prayer meeting – but the real motivation for change comes from Him.
       And that leads us to step TWO: START! Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting there is to get started.” Okay, tonight before I go to bed I’ll get started on a really good plan to become more sensitive to the needs of others.
       “No, here’s a better way; put your phone down (or turn off the computer) and  . . Do you remember step number 1?  Right. Sincerely ask him to help you in your desire to be more other-centered. I’ll wait until you’ve finished praying.”
       So what could step THREE be? Right, THANK HIM that you are on your way, thank him for staying right there helping you, that you will find yourself even this evening as you are sitting around the dinner table thinking about how hard your spouse has worked today and how you can help lift her/his spirit . . . there is no end to life’s possibilities for turning our attention first to the needs of the other. 
        Look, the water is stirring. Let’s help that man over there whose been waiting here for 38 years to finally make it in first!!