June 24

“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ “    —JOHN 5:6

By the Pool of Bethesda, Jesus saw a man He knew had been paralyzed for 38 years, and He asks him what seems to be an insulting question. “Do you want to get well?” From outward appearances, the answer would be obvious, but Jesus doesn’t go by outward appearances, and neither does He ask unnecessary questions. “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me” (John 5:7).

Why didn’t the afflicted man bounce back with an exuberant, “Yes!?” Had he grown so accustomed to his paralysis that he didn’t want change? Others were taking care of him, supplying his needs and carrying him from A to B. Was he so afraid of having to care for himself that his inactivity became comfortable? 

Sometimes our Christian lives become conveniently comfortable and we fail to pick up our mats or even try to edge forward. We may even wrestle with the fact that it is easier to remain docile than to risk changing anything. Jesus got hold of this man’s thinking with an extremely relevant and permeating question. “Do you really want to become whole or have you settled into the status quo of your paralysis?”  

Paralysis doesn’t merely apply to the body, but can apply emotionally and spiritually as well. Physical infirmities, emotional pain and depression can create a sense of hopelessness, robbing one of any expectation that something can be done. But vulnerability of any kind is a gateway for the Lord Jesus to enter our lives and bring us out of the status quo of our comfort zones, so that we may experience life to the full.

Jesus said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked” (John 5:8-9). Every act of Jesus is precipitated by a response of obedience to Him. He doesn’t stand back, click His fingers and things happen. We are participants with Him. When we are called by God, there may be times we’re tempted to flop on our mats again, but the continuity of the Christian life involves persevering, not only in burning our bridges behind us, but cutting ourselves adrift, and entirely trusting Jesus.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, May I never become docile in my Christian life. Grant me the will and courage to venture out for You, trusting You completely. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: Are there times when I’m hesitant to step out for God because I’m afraid of change?