April 16, 2014
“RISE YE UP, TAKE YOUR JOURNEY”
“RISE YE UP, TAKE YOUR JOURNEY…” Deu. 2:24 (KJV) That text tells us someone is sitting that God is trying to encourage to RISE UP, and start THEIR JOURNEY “For you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. for when you have stood the test, you will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Let’s start today in John 5:1-15 (NKJV) “Then Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there, He knew his condition and how long he had been 
there, but He asked him anyway, WILT THOU BE MADE WHOLE?
Christ knew this water had no supernatural power to heal, because the very source of life stood right in front of him. But how does Christ come into one’s presence and you are not aware. Is it possible to be paralyzed for 38 years with no desire TO BE MADE WHOLE by the Masters touch?
Maybe the man had just gotten used to his way of life? The poolside was a familiar and safe environment. My friends as Christians have we gotten familiar with our environment and the comfort of sitting.
Have we become so complacent, lackadaisical, and self-indulgent, that we have forgotten how to respond to Jesus presence as we live the comfortable and easy life with no desire to change or BE MADE WHOLE spiritually.
When Jesus ask the man at the pool “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man’s heart did not thrill with anticipation of being 
healed. Instead, in verse 7 he told Jesus his hard luck story. “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
For 38 years the man was looking for something physically and I hope spiritually that now stood right in front of Him. And I can say without a doubt that Christ stands in our presence today, as He also ask us to “RISE UP, AND TAKE OUR JOURNEY.”
The apostle Paul, tells us in 2 Cor. 11:16-33 (KJV) “Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting…..
I have worked hard, been in prison frequently, been flogged severely, exposed to death. Five times I received forty lashes minus one. Three times beaten with rods, once pelted with stones, shipwrecked three times, I spent nights in the open sea, I am constantly on the move.
Been in danger from rivers, and bandits, in danger from Jews, and Gentiles; in danger in the city, and in the country, in danger at sea; and from false believers. I have labored and toiled and gone without sleep; I know hunger and thirst, I have been cold and naked.”
Friends, let’s go back to Paul’s Damascus road experience before all of his trials started “and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him, and he fell to the ground.” Now this is the part of this story where I really need you to focus today.
And Paul said “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? AND THE LORD SAID UNTO HIM, ARISE,…” Acts 9:6 (KJV) and from that point on He Never looked back. 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (KJV) Paul tells us.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
“Sometimes we delay our decisions and actions TO START OUR JOURNEY because of fear and vulnerability. Most often we are still hung up on the past, overwhelmed by circumstance of the present, or battling between deception and truth about our situation of the future. Confusion settles in, we look at our life and decide why should I “RISE UP,” I’M HAPPY” So our solution is, we sit on our mat by the pool of Bethesda. Today God still extends His grace my friends. We still have time, CHRIST STILL PLACES “THE JOURNEY BEFORE US. But it will end soon. And He will say “IT IS FINISHED”
So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY
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