God Is Still Alive

Concerned about protecting society, traditions had been developed. Rules had been written that governed how people lived. Perhaps without realizing it, in the process, Jewish leaders had fostered a culture in which God strangely was absent. We see this worldview in the way people approached physical needs.

According to their expectations, healing only could take place within certain procedures and times. Those who needed healing were not encouraged to seek God or be prayed for. Rather they had to wait by a specific pool. Then, the first person into the pool would be healed. Those who weren’t first were given no hope, other than to wait for the next time the waters would be stirred!

Then, Jesus entered the picture. He came to break this stranglehold of tradition and limitations. He had compassion particularly for a man who had been ill for 38 years. The religious leaders primarily were concerned about their laws. But Jesus had a different attitude.

He healed the man, and then explained, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” While the religious leaders focused on their definitions, Jesus was demonstrating that God hadn’t stopped working. He was not governed by their regulations, but still was sovereign!

Jesus was focusing on “the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish,” and not restricted by man-made rules or schedules.

These same principles are true today. How many people place a higher priority on their traditions and rules than on God Himself. How many limit God, and don’t expect that He can help. They feel hopeless. Abandoned.

In your life, remember that God still is alive and active. He loves you. He is eager to hear your prayers and meet your needs. Anytime.