Like so many others, the paralyzed man had been waiting for a miracle, for some supernatural sign. Day after weary day he watched that pool. But no angel came—or if one did, it wasn't for him. Still he waited, thinking this was his only hope. And all the while, he had no idea that standing right there was Someone whose single word could heal him instantly.

Thousands are stuck in the same trap today. They're waiting for some overwhelming feeling, some dramatic experience, some heavenly vision. They wait in vain. They watch for nothing. Even if such remarkable signs do happen—and they are exceedingly rare—no one has the right to demand them for themselves. Especially not someone who knows, deep down, that even if the waters did stir, they couldn't get themselves into the pool anyway.

What a heartbreaking thought: tens of thousands are waiting right now. Waiting through religious rituals and ordinances. Through vows and resolutions. They have waited time out of mind—waited in vain, utterly in vain.

And all the while, these precious souls are forgetting the present Savior who stands before them saying, "Look to me and be saved." He could heal them this very moment! But no—they would rather wait for an angel and a wonder. To simply trust him is the guaranteed path to every blessing. He is worthy of our absolute confidence! But unbelief makes them choose the cold stone porches of Bethesda over the warm bosom of his love.

O that the Lord would turn his eyes tonight to the multitudes trapped in this waiting! May he forgive them for slighting his divine power. May he call them with that sweet, constraining voice to rise from their bed of despair and in the energy of faith take up their bed and walk!

Lord, hear our prayer for all such souls at this calm hour of sunset. Before the day breaks, may they look and live.

Dear reader, is there anything in this portion for you?