Por Longo Tempo
Pr. Jayme de Amorim Campos
Faith and Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
The song "Por Longo Tempo" by Pr. Jayme de Amorim Campos is a powerful narrative of faith, perseverance, and divine healing. The lyrics tell the story of a man who waits by the Pool of Bethesda, a place mentioned in the Bible where an angel would stir the waters, and the first person to enter the pool afterward would be healed. This man, despite seeing others take his place and being passed over time and again, remains steadfast in his belief that his moment of healing will come.
The song emphasizes the man's unwavering faith. He confidently declares that he will be healed if he can be the first to enter the waters when they are stirred. This faith is not shaken by the passage of time or by the success of others. Instead, it is a testament to his deep trust in divine intervention and the promise of healing. The repetition of the phrase "o anjo vai voltar para agitar as águas" (the angel will return to stir the waters) underscores his hope and determination.
The climax of the song comes with the arrival of Jesus, who commands the man to rise, take up his bed, and walk. This moment signifies the fulfillment of the man's faith and the miraculous power of Jesus. The repeated references to Jesus as "o grande jeová rafáh" (the great Jehovah Rapha) highlight the belief in Jesus as a healer and a divine presence who brings blessings and miracles. The song serves as an encouragement to listeners to maintain their faith and trust in divine timing, even in the face of prolonged waiting and adversity.