One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be well?" John 5:5-6

We all deal with illnesses of a physical nature. We can see those symptoms manifested pretty easily. But what about the sickness that comes from the sin in our lives? Sometimes those are harder to heal. When I hear Jesus’ words to the man waiting by the pool for a miracle cure for thirty-eight years, I often consider my own faults that I just can’t seem to release. 

Thirty-eight years is a long time to be sick. It is a long time to be sitting around waiting to be healed. In that time, a lot of things can change. So, when Jesus asks, ‘Do you want to be well?’, it makes me think of how comfortable we can sometimes be with our unhealthy lives. 

Imagine that you are this man. When you first get sick, it seems like a small deal and there is hope that it won't last long. Maybe there is a cure or some medicine you could take, and it would fade away. You believe you’ll be better really soon. But the days turn into weeks, which turn into months. The doctors are all puzzled about why nothing is working. You hop from specialist to specialist, test after test, and always the same look of pity and sorrow on the face of each caregiver as they say, “I’m sorry. There is nothing else we know to do.” 

So, you wait for a miracle. You see others around you finding answers, getting better, and rejoicing. But still, you sit on the sidelines waiting. The hope you felt at the beginning starts to wane. It’s harder and harder to keep trying. You start to think you can’t take it anymore and you can’t do it by yourself. The self pity begins to take over and you just wish someone would come along and make it better because you don’t have the strength anymore. You are worn out from trying by yourself over and over. It’s out of your hands now. 

Then along comes Jesus. He looks at you and asks a simple question. “Do you want to be well?” Your first response is maybe very much like the man in the gospel today. To paraphrase, “What do you think? Do you think I want to be like this? It’s been thirty-eight years, and nothing has worked. Everyone has given up and now I sit here waiting for some water to stir up and pray someone will help me get in quickly so I can find some relief! But no. No one is here to help me. What else can I do?” 

And then Jesus says something that rocks your world. He doesn’t give you pity; he doesn’t pick you up and put you in the water, he just quietly tells you to do it yourself. “Rise. Take up your mat and walk.” Or in other words, “I’m here now. Get up and let’s go. With Me, you can do anything. Even leave behind the sickness (sin) that has held you hostage for so many years.”

Today is your invitation to let go of whatever has held you back for so long. Jesus wants to forgive the sin that will bring true healing to your life. Are you willing to let go of the comfort of what you know for the freedom of release? 

Reflection Questions: As we continue to travel through this season of Lent, are you brave enough to go deep and dig out the sins that keep you from true healing? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and be unafraid to trust the Lord and rise from the side of the pool to walk in freedom. 

Prayer: Lord, I need some courage to let go of the sins that have become second nature to me after all these years. But I know that you want me to cooperate with You and not just wait for someone else to do it for me. I am Yours and today I will rise, take up my mat, and walk right into Your open arms. Amen.