Pick Up Your Mat and Walk—Get Rid of the "Yes-But-Syndrome"!
Jesus' profound question at the Bethesda Pool. Do you want to get well?
Ty Cobb was an exceptional baseball hitter with a lifetime batting average of .367. Even at 70, he participated in an old-timers' softball game. One day a reporter asked him hypothetically what his batting average would be in today's Major Leagues. Cobb confidently replied that it would be between .310 and .315. Stumped by his answer, the reporter questioned if this was due to the modern-day longer seasons, late-night flights, better pitching, and better athletes in today's game; Cobb dismissed these factors and stated the reason he would hit between .310 and .315, was because he was 75 years old.
Excellent hitters in God’s domain with steadfast faith in King Jesus can selectively remember their successes. Therefore, no matter how often you strike out, with the power of the Holy Ghost, you always keep swinging for the fences. As Christians, we often make incorrect assumptions about what is possible and what isn't possible in God’s domain. This can prevent us from experiencing the miracles of Jesus. In John’s Gospel, he tells the story of a crippled man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years and didn’t think he could be healed. Jesus would think otherwise.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once, the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5: 6-9
Grace brought Jesus to the Pool of Bethesda, for who would want to mingle with a crowd of helpless people? Jesus did not heal all of them; He singled out and healed one man. The fact that Jesus came to the man, spoke to him, healed him, and met him later in the temple is proof of His extraordinary grace and mercy.
John observed that the man had been sick for 38 years. You may recall Israel wandering haplessly in the Dessert for about the same time in Deuteronomy 14. Spiritually, Israel was a powerless nation, waiting hopelessly for change. Jesus was aware of the man's situation, then Jesus would ask one of the most crucial questions of life. Do you want to get well? Could Jesus ask you the same question today? The disabled man at the pool symbolized the tragic spiritual state of the former Jewish Nation but could be said of America today. But let's focus on the individual aspect.
One might expect an enthusiastic response, but instead, the crippled man, made excuses. Sound familiar? Woe is me. No one is here to help me get in the water; everyone always cuts in front of me. Now about this time, most of us would be telling the man to dial 1-800-WHAAA. Jesus healed him through the power of His spoken word. He commanded the man to do the very thing he could not do, but in His command was the power of fulfillment. The cure was immediate and certain; some of the many people at the pool must have witnessed it.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the state of the world, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. You can choose to Go Bold, or you can choose to go home!
I can do all this through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
When we focus on our personal lives, we blame others instead of taking responsibility for our actions and working towards the desired changes, as the man in the story did. We make dumb excuses. We look to others for handouts and someone else besides Christ to meet our needs. Undoubtedly, if Jesus were to ask us the same question, "Do you want to be healed?" our initial reaction would likely be a resounding "YES!" However, as we begin to comprehend the process and the price of being restored, our response may not be as immediate. And then the inevitable “Yes-But-Syndrome” sets in.
I can't tell you how many times I have shared the Gospel with someone, only to hear “Yes But” before I commit to becoming a Christian, I’m going to quit drinking or smoking, or before I commit to teaching a Sunday school class, I need to start reading my bible more. “Yes But” before exercising, I must join a good fitness center. Jesus wants you to keep your BUTT out of the Bible and go bold for His Kingdom—Now. Not next week, not next year; you only get one life to Go Bold. Notice how Jesus healed him immediately and told him to walk immediately.
Regrettably, it's not uncommon to discover ourselves returning to the same old mat we initially had for a specific purpose. We recline and revisit previous injuries, letdowns, and pains. Some of us become inundated with life's hurdles to the point where we fall into a deep sleep, succumbing to a self-serving pity party.
How do we get up and walk? It is elementary—align with God's will and plan; it will give you willpower. Rid yourself of the old self-centered habits and attitudes. This may involve breaking away from past associations, such as your old tribe, culture, or even certain family members, and friends. Instead, focus on utilizing your unique gifts and talents for the greater good through productive activities. Operate under the premise of “No Excuses”! Get rid of your excuses – if God called you to it, trust Him to bring you through it. He will equip you with the strength you need to do the job.
Having complete trust and confidence in God's ability to carry out His plan is crucial since the tasks assigned to us often exceed our capabilities. It is essential to rely on His divine guidance and wisdom, knowing He will provide us with the necessary strength and resources to accomplish His mission.
What are you waiting for? Pick up your mat and Go Bold!
With Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost! We must operate under the premise of NO Excuses!!!