LEST A WORSE THING COME UPON THEE
Wednesday – November 14, 2018, Kislev 6, 5779
Greetings and welcome back to this wonderful faith building Bible Study from the Book of John. The featured picture is a little different angle of the same area on Belgrade Stream here in Maine showing the wonderful colors of October. Now let’s turn our attention to our primary Bible text reading it aloud.
John 5:10-16 (KJV)
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
I have been talking about the man with an infirmity for thirty-eight years who encountered Jesus near the Sheep Gate of Jerusalem at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus determines that the man is serious about being healed, has faith, and then Jesus commands a corresponding action for the faith telling him to take up his bed and walk. Unfortunately, it is the Jewish Sabbath and carrying ones’ bed is considered forbidden according to the Fourth Commandment (more accurately the Jewish traditions imposed by the Church leaders). That discussion brought us to the next command Jesus gives the man which is to “sin no more”.
John 5:14 (KJV)
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Whether we like it or not the Master Himself brings into focus that sin and the curse are connected. In this case the curse in the man’s life was this infirmity for thirty-eight years that caused the man to be bedridden. Ignorance of our Covenant responsibilities and benefits allows the curse into our lives as well as our failure to exercise authority over the curse subduing the curse. When I talk about ignorance allowing the curse (poverty, sickness, and poorness of all types) into our lives I am not just talking about the absence of the knowledge that something is a sin inviting the curse into our lives. I am talking about corrupt knowledge (generally taught in Church) as well which has a portion of truth but also a portion of a Satanic lie corrupting the whole teaching. This corrupted knowledge lies in two broad categories, those being the tradition of men and the doctrine of devils. For example, in the account we are studying the man carrying the bed did not violate God’s Forth Commandment but it violated the established tradition of men which kept and still does keep people in bondage. The difference between the two ideas of the traditions of men and doctrine of devils lies in the source. One involves people leaning to their own understanding and seeking after power no doubt egged on by demonic forces. The other is done directly by the demonic powers whispering in our ears like the Serpent in the Garden and we adapt his thoughts and words instead those of the Master.
Sin is thinking, talking, and doing contrary to the Word of God. Sin is not always purposely committed by the person sinning, it may be due to ignorance or deception. Jesus did not go into detail with the man concerning a specific sin so it would seem that the man knew what his sin was being referenced or perhaps a general instruction concerning all sin. Think for a moment about a single sin, repetitive sin or multiple repetitive sins. If it were not possible for us to quit doing it all just like Jesus it would have been unjust for Jesus to give that command. True repentance would be to do as Jesus instructed, quit doing it. Can we see from Jesus’ statement why people do not remain healed or later are sicker than ever?
Finally, as I close for today, consider the issue that people do not realize they have dominion over the earth, and the power to subdue the earth. This authority (dominion) and power (the Blessing) allows us to control everything made of the earth which includes the physical body. This does not include other people (except with their permission say to speak healing into their body). Not to learn that and exercise that dominion (authority) in faith, in love, is sin at some point. For example, we give our one-year old child a lot more leeway (mercy) than our ten-year-old, it is the same in the Kingdom with our Heavenly Father. One point I don’t want to overlook in this account about Jesus telling the man to sin no more. He was referring to all sin and perhaps not just one specific sin, that is to say; quit that habitual sin you are doing and don’t commit other sin either or this illness will seem mild in comparison. This is not a threat from Jesus but a reality of spiritual law.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it by faith in Jesus name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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