Daily Devotions

In John 5:1-15 we come across paralysed beggar who had an encounter with Jesus. 

No doubt this man was someone who was often ignored or at most had a cursory exchange with those who passed by. Yet, from the brief report of Jesus conversation with this man, we can learn much.

Here are a few pointers. The first part of the encounter is Jesus' question to the man, "Would you like to get well?"; and here we can see a question that may well  apply to us all. Is it a question of considering whether we accept less than God's best? The answer is found in the obedience of following Jesus' words, "Stand up, take your mat and walk". What a change in circumstances. After 38 years of paralysis everything changes; his way being, seeing, and acting. 

But here we we see something deeper than physical well being as there is a sense of spiritual health. This record of  of Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda is surely a reminder to fully appreciate the connection between physical and spiritual health. 

But there is more to this conversation, for there is a second and deeper encounter between Jesus and the man who was healed. His hostile interaction with the religious authorities who wanted to know who had healed the him left the man non-plussed.  He meets Jesus once more within the temple walls and Jesus says to him, “Take a look at your body; it has been made whole and strong. So avoid a life of sin, or else a calamity greater than any disability may befall you.” 

We then read that the man went immediately to tell the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the mysterious healer. 

This whole episode raises the question, do we want to be healed from whatever impediments limit our spiritual health and fulfilment? Are we settling for dysfunctional and unfruitful lives when Jesus calls us to get up and walk in the power of His Presence?

Lord Jesus, I am like so many others, lying by the pool of Bethesda, waiting to be healed; trying various ways and means, hoping somebody will help. I have not yet listened to that wonderful voice that says to me in the inner heart, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” Grant that I will do so from this moment forward. Amen