Lounging By The Sheep Gate by Keith Cook
"After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted." John 5: 1-4 (NASB)
Jesus was on His way to a festival and passed by the Sheep Gate. He looked over at the Pool of Bethesda. It must have looked beautiful with its five massive porches spread out all around it. However, the scene was marred with masses of people who were crowded around the pool looking down at the water.
Down through the years many people had been healed at that pool when the waters were stirred. Many said the waters were stirred by an angel and when the angel stirred the waters, the first one in the pool would be healed.
Today - in our world - society lounges at the Sheep Gate.
1. They are there with massive needs. Yet they eat - drink - and play!
2. Most do not have enough discernment to know they have needs. They ridicule anyone who speaks up and talks about sin, morals, standards, or reality.
3. Many do not have a clue where to look when they do realize they have a problem. They look to presidents, politicians, social programs, trendy magazine writers, talk show hosts, and movie stars for direction and answers.
That day there were many around the pool: The Sick who were ailing, diseased, weak and void of strength. The Blind with no vision or clouded vision. The Crippled who were lame. Those who were Paralyzed.
Today we too have many who are sick. Those with tremendous PHYSICAL - MENTAL - EMOTIONAL - SPIRITUAL needs all around us!
We must, as real followers of Jesus:
1. Take the time to pass by the pool.
2. Take a look at who is at the pool.
3. Go down to the pool and ask probing questions to discern where people really are in life.
4. Tell people the truth about being set free.
That's what Jesus did that day. He was on His way to a festival and took the time to go down to the pool - the one by the Sheep Gate. He is calling us to go to where the sheep are and tell them what the Good Shepherd has to say.
Daily Prayer Focus: Today, ask God for Divine Appointments to share with someone in need.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Keith Cook, Joan Cook, the U.S.A. Staff, and On The Go Board of Directors, as they add leadership and direction for the ongoing ministries of the Keith Cook Team and On The Go.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for APRIL 30, 2013
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