Devo, John

Do You See The Need?

Do You See The Need?

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After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” — John 5:1-6

So in Greek culture, Asclepius was the ancient god of healing. And people who believed in him formed gatherings around pools like this one in Jerusalem. These pools attracted many who wanted to be healed. And those who came to these pools believed that when the water was naturally stirred by Asclepius (or the water percolated, bubbled, or stirred), the first person into the pool would be healed by this Greek god. So now you can better imagine the scene that Jesus was walking into.

Don't you love that Jesus walks right into situations that most would avoid? I assume his disciples are a little shocked by what he does. He doesn't avoid the invalid. He is not intimidated by their pagan beliefs. And even though he has come to Jerusalem to celebrate a feast, he is unconcerned about coming in contact with an invalid who would make him ceremonially unclean as a Jew.

How about you?

Are you willing to look past your concerns and agendas to see the concerns of the people around you? Put your phone down for a bit today. Set aside your agenda. Look up and look at people. See their needs. There are profound needs all around you. And when God prompts you — respond.

ASK THIS: What concern or agenda do you need to set aside?

DO THIS: Stop and respond.

PRAY THIS: God, give me spiritual insight to see the needs I often miss all around me.

PLAY THIS: Show Me Your Heart.

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5 thoughts on “Do You See The Need?”

  1. Dan says:

    Vince, great message. Thank you. Second study I’ve done from Arusha, Tanzania while on travel. Just wanted to let you know how far your message is reaching. God Bless.

  2. Michael Prill says:

    Dear Vince,
    Ever since God brought me to your ministry, I start me day with your daily devotionals and they have enriched my walk with Jesus. I have even shared your ministry with the men’s group and some of them signed up too. Please keep up what you are doing and my God continue to Bless you.

  3. Michael B says:

    Great message today Vince. Keep the Faith. Stay strong in Christ. Praying for you brother.

  4. Greg says:

    Keep up the good work Vince!

    You have created with God’s help quite the community here.
    I look forward to the daily challenges and devotions you present…..
    Blessings and prayers for this coming weekend!!!!

  5. Tom Myles says:

    Dear Vince I appreciate your ministry so much. I am away on vacation and I wake up early and can go outside and put my ear plugs in and not only hear your message and God’s word. Writing down the message allows me to read Gods word but also read your message. Brilliant job!! Thanks so much for your efforts and your heart for God. I am 67 years old and setting up a men’s ministry in London Ontario Canada for young people and facing so many challenges. Your ministry is refreshing and shareable to the men. I use your God given thoughts to share with the young men of our small church. In these politically correct times it is so hard to get men to act out for Christ many of the men are in survival mode. Afraid to be men living in a state of anxiety and fear of saying or doing something wrong according to the NewWorld standards. I am very sad for them and their children. But we have Christ and his word as our weapons against in this fight thanks for sharpening our swords daily God Bless you and your family. Tommy

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