THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Lord, John records how you healed the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda, (John 5:1–15). You asked him a simple question: Do you want to be made well?

In his broken condition, the lame man heard, “Do you want to walk again?”

That answer should be a no-brainer. Of course, I want to walk again. Who wouldn’t want to walk after being crippled for thirty-eight years? Instead, he made excuses why he could not be healed. It was other’s fault. People blocked his way to the water. They pushed him aside. God is against me.

But, Lord, you didn’t ask if he wanted to walk again You asked if he wanted to be well.

The lame man saw himself as physically handicapped. You saw him as spiritually handicapped, and needed healing in body, soul, and spirit. Most importantly, you asked him if he wanted to change and leave his old life behind.

Did the man experience an epiphany when you commanded him to stand, take up his mat, and go home?

I believe so.

Later, we find him worshiping in the Temple. You warned him not to return to his old life of sin, or he might find his life to be worse than before.

Lord, to become a Christ follower, we must answer the same question: Do I want to be well? In body, soul, and spirit? Do I want to leave my old ways and live according to your ways? Am I willing to stand on your Word, take up my new life, and walk in faith  with you?

And Jesus, like the formerly lame man, now leaping in celebration and freed from the sins that so easily cripples your people, may I never stop telling others what you have done for me. Amen.