Part 1 | Part Two

The city of Jerusalem was in full bloom, for it was a religious festive day. Its streets were full of excitement as pilgrims from all over the known world, came to perform their religious duties. Many were in awe as they viewed the majestic temple of that era. I can hear, a parent saying to their son, "My child, the great I AM resides in that building!"

But as the mesmerized masses were focusing on the wondrous

Work build by human hands. God incarnated (John.1:1-4, 14) was entering through the back entrance of the city appropriately called the Sheep gate, for this is where the livestock were herded into the great city. We are told that near this gate was a pool of water called Bethesda (House of Mercy). And it was at this pool that laid a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered. For it was believed that an angel of the Lord would at certain times stir up the water; whoever then first after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well

It was there that Jesus noticed a man who had been ill thirty-eight years.

One can only imagine what was going through this mans mind, when Jesus entered into his little world of shattered dreams. Over the years he had come to terms with his lot in life, and there was no reason to believe this day would be any different from the previous ones. But God has a way of changing one's world in a twinkling of an eye and this day would prove to be the greatest moment of this man's life.

We read that, "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 (John. 5:6)?'"

INTIMACY
Let's not forget that this man was just one of a great multitude, but when Jesus saw him He knew (aware of the truth) that he had been stuck in this situation a long time. I find it refreshing to know that our relationship with God is not just a mere religious one, but it is one of deep caring intimacy. I love how Jesus describes our relationship with the Father; He says "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father (knowing – writers insert). But the very hairs of your head are numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31)."

Be assured God knows what you're going through.

A LONG TIME
Thirty eight years truly is a long time to be stuck in a bad place, and in a sense, his illness became his professional career. Much like the people we see standing at the off ramps of our freeways, whose tattered clothing and sad disposition compels the general public to donate funds to maintain their survival. Now, this truth not only applies to the pan handler on our streets, but like substance abuse it is disseminated evenly across all social classes.

So many good people have also created a career around an offense committed against them. When we lack the ability to forgive, or to seek forgiveness, it inevitability will give birth to a life disabled by bitterness and insensitivity. Sadly, this not only affects the carrier, but anyone who steps into their world (read – Hebrews 12:15).

As you know time stops for no one, days turn into months and months turn into years, and if we do not seek help in resolving those deep rooted issues, be assured that the day will come when the carrier of bitterness looks into the mirror and reality will stare right into his/her face. Because doing hard time has a way of etching its mark on our mind, body and soul. It is then we'll come to realize that we have wasted so many precious years. Wise counsel instructs us that, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8b)."

DO YOU WISH TO GET WELL?
It seems that Jesus was moved by this mans situation. We read of other's in the Bible who pressed through thick crowds just to touch Jesus' garment, and other's who out shouted the crowds to get His attention. But this man just laid there for such a long time, without even a peep.

Jesus with all wisdom asks him, "Do you wish to get well?" You see not everyone is ready for change. An excellent example of this is found in the Book of Exodus in the 8th chapter, when Pharaoh King of Egypt called for Moses and said "Entreat the Lord that He remove the (plague of) frogs from me and my people; and I will let the people (Israelites) go…." Moses then asks him, so when would you like this to be done for you. Pharaoh's reply was a very interesting one, he says "Tomorrow!

It would seem that the answer should have been "immediately, get rid of the plague right now! " I believe this was a valid question which is still applicable for you and I today.

May our prayer be "Lord, I'm ready for you to remove this plague from my life right now and I do wish to get well."

Part Two

Copyright 2008 by Joe Rivera. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.