John 5:6 “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, ‘Do you wish to get well?’”
DO YOU WANT TO GET BETTER?
Have you ever known anyone who just liked to tell you about their ailments? My paternal grandmother would wax eloquent about her body aches and illnesses. You never wanted to call her and ask, “How are you doing, M’aam-maw?” You were guaranteed a lengthy description if you did.
Some people like the attention that get from being sick. They really have gotten used to being sick and are quite comfortable. Although Jesus knew what this man was thinking, He still asked him that question, “Do you wish to get well?” Jesus was prepared to heal, but only if the man wished it.
TEACHING MOMENT
Don’t let your children settle into a bad place. We need to encourage them to step out of the “funk,” if they are in one. We need to show them how to press forward and succeed. But they will only do that if we show them the true source of their strength. Jesus still wants us today to “pick up our pallet and walk.” Whatever is holding us down needs to be laid aside.
It’s interesting in this story that although the healed man was questioned and even berated for carrying the pallet on a Sabbath, he kept walking. He was going home, a new man, a walking man. Our children will face ridicule for trusting in Jesus. They need to be taught to continue and just ignore the criticism of those who want to keep them down (crippled).
What is holding you down? Do you feel crippled and unable to reach the healing waters? You don’t need to pursue a magical potion. All you need is Him. He can cleanse you and heal you of anything that is holding you down. Trust Him. Now, I must warn you. He heals in various ways. He just wants us to trust Him. He will do the rest – His way.
A Moment In Time 