Jesus saith unto him,
Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:8
"LIKE many
others, the impotent man had been waiting for a wonder to be wrought,
and a sign to be given. Wearily did he watch the I pool, but no angel
came, or came not for him; yet, thinking it to be his only chance, he
waited still, and knew not that there was One near him whose word could
heal him in a moment.
Many are in the same plight: they are waiting for 
--some singular emotion,
--remarkable impression,
--or celestial vision;
they
wait in vain and watch for nought.
It is a very sad reflection that tens of thousands are now waiting in
the use of means, and ordinances, and vows, and resolutions, and have so
waited time out of mind, in vain, utterly in vain.
Meanwhile these poor
souls forget the present Savior, who bids them look unto Him and be
saved.
He could heal them at once,
but they prefer to wait for an angel
and a wonder.
O that the
Lord may turn His eye upon the multitudes who are in this case to-night;
may He forgive the slights which they put upon His divine power, and
call them by that sweet constraining voice, to rise from the bed of
despair, and in the energy of faith take up their bed and walk."
Charles Spurgeon
