Do You Want To Get Well?

October 17, 2011 Monday Message:

In John 5, a crippled man waits under the colonnades beside the healing pools of Bethesda. Everyone there was waiting for the “moving of the water,” for they believed that at certain times, an angel came down into the pool and stirred the water, and then the first person who stepped into the water after the disturbance would be healed of the disease from which they were suffering.

The man in our story had been waiting for 38 years. How long have you been waiting for something to be mended in your life?

When Jesus saw the man lying there on his back—knowing that he had been like that for a long time, Jesus said to him, “Do you want to get well again?”

You see, that’s the problem, having to decide that it would be better to make a change. Right now, this man has his “spot” – his “place.” It’s in the shade, and he can lean up against the column. Friends bring him a little food and some cast-off clothing from time to time. If he was healed, he’d have to learn a trade and get a job somewhere. If he was no longer lame, he’d have to find a new place to live and make all new friends. He’d lose his “spot!” It would be scary sailing into uncharted territory. It just might be easier (feel safer) to NOT get well.

So Jesus’ question is for all of us: “Do you want to get well again?”

In recovering from any disease - physical, emotional or spiritual - the first step is to admit that you have the problem, and then decide that you want to get well again. If you want your life to be better, Jesus stands ready to heal. Sometimes it’s physical healing, sometimes it’s casting out demons. Either way, you’ll be restored!

So don’t make excuses that you can’t get to the water in time. Jesus is the living water and he can touch your life, so that you can pick up your mat and walk – to His glory!

In His service,

Norton Lawellin