Who would have ever thought that anyone would point the finger at Jesus and say to His enemies, “It’s His fault that I’m healed. Go get Him.”
Yet, in essence, that’s exactly what the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda did when he reported Jesus to the Pharisees (John 5:15). However, this man not only had a history of paralysis, he had a history of blaming others for his troubles. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed he said, “I can’t. Everybody always pushes into the water ahead of me.”
Paralysis and blame: The two went hand-in-hand.
The tragic thing is that many of you lying on your beds tonight have been suffering spiritual paralysis for the very same reason: Blame. You may have awakened in a near-frenzy, thinking, “It’s their fault this relationship failed. If only they…” or “How could they do this to me?” Stop right now. Don’t carry the burden of blame one night longer.
Read these words of Isaiah: “If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness…The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones” (Isaiah 58:9, 11, NKJV).
Have no more to do with blame, the silent crippler of your soul. Repent of “pointing the finger” and be free to enjoy new health and good sleep.
Jim Thornber Said:
on May 8, 2010 at 11:15 pm
I must take issue with your idea that the paralyzed man “blamed” Jesus for his healing, as if Jesus were now guilty of giving the man responsibility for his own welfare. More than once in Scripture, Jesus tells those who were healed to show themselves to the priests (Matthew 8:4; Luke 17:14), for that was the Law of Moses (Lev. 14:2) and Jesus never broke an Old Testament Law. Far from blaming Jesus, this man confesses Jesus as his healer.
However, I do agree that many of us are spiritually paralyzed because of our habit of blaming others for our illness. We stay in bed and moan about our condition. But the man at the Pool at least knew where the healing was. He may not have made it in the water, but at least he didn’t stay home.
Blessings,
Jim