March 8 | John 5:1-15

Elaine Pierce
Mar 8
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Jesus Heals

By Elaine Pierce

"Do you want to get well?"

Why did Jesus ask the invalid this question? Isn't it obvious he wanted to be healed? Jesus knew he had been there a long, long time - 38 years. Why didn't the man answer Jesus by saying "of course I want to be well!" Notice his response:

"Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred [this was the 'magical moment' that people believed the water had healing powers]. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." (v. 7).

This sounds an awful lot like excuse-making, doesn't it? It's not my fault - I don't have anyone to help me. Poor, poor me. I'm all alone. And 38 years is a long time to feel sorry for yourself.

It becomes clearer later in the passage that Jesus' question - do you want to get well - was more than just physical health. After he was healed, Jesus told him to 'stop sinning or something worse may happen to you(v. 14).' I won't pretend to fully understand this statement (none of us will stop sinning until we reach sanctification and that isn't going to happen here on earth), but I think Jesus is reminding him - and us - that the only way forward to wholeness and happiness is to put our faith completely in him.

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)

It's not about my abilities, my talents. It's all about Jesus, and putting my trust, my confidence, my hope in his hands. Do I want to be healed? Yes! Help me today and each day to trust him. If I focus on my weakness, my faults, I will never be healed. But if I trust him - even when I don't know exactly what his plan is for my future - I will receive blessings far beyond any I can imagine.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to be healed and whole in mind, body and spirit, but so often I find excuses rather than trusting in you. Help me each day to turn from my weaknesses and to put my hope and faith in you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!