by Dr. Paul Chappell

"When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."

John 5:6-7

We cannot lend a helping hand if our hands are full of our own pursuits.

Do you remember the community feeling of cities a few decades ago? Older people tell stories of walking to school, playing with neighborhood children, being sent to the grocery store alone, and being trusted to wander the streets of a small town without thought of harm coming to them. Neighbors were trusted, offered rides from strangers were taken, and everyone was a friend.

Long gone are those days. Now people are encouraged to stay to themselves, only trust those they know, and keep a close eye on their children. Sadly, crime and the degradation of society has taken away the neighborly feel of our towns. But that doesn't negate God's command to love others.

The diseased man who desperately wanted to be healed in the pool of Bethesda couldn't reach the pool by himself. He had lain near the pool for a long time, perhaps years, without being healed. When Jesus approached him about his condition, he answered the Lord, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."

I'm sure many people passed by him each day. Many people stayed near the pool, even able-bodied people who could have helped him, yet they never took notice of him. He lamented the fact that no one cared to help him into the pool.

How sad that a sickly man had no one to do something as simple as wait with him and help him into the water. No friends, family, neighbors, or even kind-hearted passers-by to hear his call. I'm sure there were a few types of people who passed by him but didn't help.

The selfish person. So many people around him were only focused on getting themselves or their loved ones in the the pool that they ignored the calls for help from this man. Perhaps even after they were healed, they could have helped but thought only of their own good.

The busy person. This pool was near the sheep gate, a place where certainly many people came through on their way into Jerusalem. I'm sure the lame man called out for help from those who passed by, but some were too busy with their own schedules to notice him.

The hurried person. Perhaps there were some people who heard the lame man's call and wanted to help. They may have even gone to him to see what he needed. But in their hurry, they couldn't stay to help. With good intentions, they may have promised to return later to help, but the lame man received no help from them.

Have you ever thought about how many people around you could use the help of a friend? Like the lame man, many people in need of a friend surround us today. People who have experienced loss. People who are battling illness. People who are facing trials we could never imagine. They could all use our help.

Are you too focused on your own pursuits to hear the call for help from others? Are you too busy with your schedule that you fail to see those who need your help? Or are you too hurried in your life that you cannot stop to help even if you want to? More important than schedules, meetings, agendas, or selfish gain is the helping of others. Jesus commands you to reach out to the widows and fatherless, to love those around you who are hurting. Step back from your agenda today and think of someone whom you can help.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Ezra 9-10 | Acts 1