September 11, 2021
Hello John Wesley members and friends,
Although it has been a while since I’ve written one of these, I wanted to share some thoughts about John 5:1-12. In these verses, Jesus blessed the paralyzed man with the ability to walk which meant social and financial independent for a man who had neither for 38 years, what a tremendous blessing. Yet, the Jewish leaders, most likely Pharisees, did not focus on that but instead focused on the Law that said people should do no work on the Sabbath. It is true that the human body needs rest so honoring the Sabbath is very important. But these Jewish leaders weren’t really concerned about honoring the Sabbath as much as they were concerned about keeping a tight reign on the people. Jesus cared nothing about that, instead Jesus was concerned about the people having a relationship with God. I employ you not to miss your miracles and the spiritual blessings that Jesus would have you experience because you are focused on the wrong things. Jesus still heals physically, mentally and spiritually providing for needs we don’t even know we have. Jesus wants each of us to reach our God-given potential as sons and daughters in faith no matter our starting disability, this requires a living and loving relationship with God.
Blessings.
Pastor Woods-Barrant