But here is the great initiative of the Lord. It has been made clear that the man has been in this terrible condition for 38 years and that he has no hope of any alteration in his condition.
You may just think about this. Supposing I had been that man. In what order would things come? Rise – but I cannot do that sir. I cannot rise. I have not risen under my own power and strength for years and years. I simply cannot do it. With the command came the strength to obey, and he could obey. When the Holy Spirit moves and the word says, Repent and believe, and yield to him, the enabling power to obey comes with it. And the person who would never yield to Christ, never repent of sin, does so and longs for the blessing which follows.