February 19

"Waiting for the moving of the water." — John 5:3.

THE narrative related in the context is highly interesting. We have all heard of the pool of Bethesda, and of the angel who troubled its waters. It is a just representation of our waiting on God in Divine ordinances. Here is

A FIGURE TO EXPLAIN. The blessings of the Gospel are set forth by a variety of comparisons; bread to satisfy our hunger, milk to nourish, meat to strengthen, wine to cheer, water to quench our thirst. They are compared to water —

Because of its cleansing quality. Sin has overspread our soul with its contaminating influence, and nothing can purify us but the blood of Christ, the waters of salvation.

Because of its healing properties. Some waters have medicinal qualities; and individuals afflicted in various ways, travel to a great distance, in order to derive the benefit they are calculated to afford. There is a river whose streams can heal us of our spiritual maladies.

Because of its reviving influence. How refreshing is water to the faint and languid pilgrim: and how exhilarating are the waters of salvation to the weary, drooping sinner! Its blessings are in him as a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

A TRUTH TO ILLUSTRATE. It is twofold.

The inefficiency of human instrumentality. I mean, apart from Divine influence. The angel must trouble the waters, or there was no virtue in them: will not this apply to ordinances? Without the Spirit's aid they can profit us nothing — there will be a dead stillness.

The efficacy of Divine agency. When the angel of the covenant comes down and moves and agitates the waters, how glorious are the effects produced! Sinners stepping in are made whole, and the influence extends, not as here, merely to the individual who was fortunate enough to descend first, but to all who are anxiously waiting for the moving of the water.

A DUTY TO ENFORCE. "Wait." How? With earnest prayer, confident expectation, humble dependence, and continued perseverance.