John 5:1-9 Get Up and Walk
Interestingly, my writing through John had me at the story of the invalid. Reading and writing this passage of scripture caused me to think about its meaning and whether it is helpful for myself and those around me.
My first thought is that this is a call to action. This call is to cease waiting for the specific thing to happen and do what you know is good. After digging into a bit of commentary, I found that my initial thoughts were not far off.
“A multitude of needy people were there, yet none of them looked to Jesus. “A blindness had come over these people at the pool; there they were, and there was Christ, who could heal them, but not a single one of them sought him. Their eyes were fixed on the water, expecting it to be troubled; they were so taken up with their own chosen way that the true way was neglected.” – Spurgeon
Spurgeon goes on in this reflection to paint a visual picture of many people waiting around the pool of water, each with their different reasons.
“Some wait for: a more convenient season, dreams and visions, signs and wonders, to be compelled, for a revival, for particular feelings, or for a celebrity.” – Spurgeon
It is not lost on me that we are nearly 130 years past the time of Spurgeon. However, it is obvious that these truths still remain relevant to our current culture. The situations may change, but those situations cannot escape the grip of truth.
I have overlooked this passage in the past because it has always represented a miraculous healing from something serious. The truth is the healing doesn’t have to be miraculous. It most definitely can be boring healing.
It is important to make the distinction that this is not entirely a blanket truth because there are, in fact, many situations in which physical incapability exists. I understand Jesus performs a miracle and I do believe there are certain cases in which it is not merely so simple. However, that is the exception, not the rule.
The majority of our church members and family members do not need the actual miracle of healing. They are not paralyzed, blind, or lame. They simply do not want to be “healed.”
Today, even asking the question, “Do you want to be healed?” is responded to with hostility and defensiveness as though there isn’t anyone who wouldn’t want to be healed. “So you think I like being sick?”
A bit of clarification is sorely needed at this moment. There is an incredible difference between wanting to be healed and wanting to stay sick. I do not believe it fair to place the later presumption in the mouths of those who care. This assumption is poorly constructed.
Do you want to be healed? When asked genuinely, and I believe it is mostly genuine, has the potential to make aware a hidden truth that lies at the center of the sick person’s invalidity. When this question is received appropriately, it can reveal the discouragement and apathy surrounding the sickness. Those things have amplified the sickness to alarming severity. How can you see past the discouragement, pain, and unknown that plagues you? Do you need others to see clearly?
Now, after the call to walk has been received well, do you not think that the strong legs will have grown weak? Do you not believe it will be painful to begin to walk on legs 38 years withered and a heart grown cold? Are you surprised by the despondency and lethargy accumulated over an unknown time?
For me, one thing is certain. The longer you stare at the pool expecting to be healed will only serve in the continuation of your discouragement, pain, and torment. One must get up, take his mat, and walk. No miracles are required.
I suppose the only question left is, do you want to be healed?
Nos & Rehtaf, Dnabsuh 