John 5:1-16
Jesus had seen him there before. The man without family or friend to help him get into the pool of Beth-zatha for a possible cure had been on the sidelines waiting, a victim of illness for 38 years. Then came the day when Jesus asked him if wanted to be made well. Like so many of us who remain victims of our own circumstances, the man blamed the system, blamed his lack of friends and explained at great length the reasons why he was not yet cured. But when he focused on Jesus’ question, and perhaps looked into his eyes, all of the justifications for his victim stance dissipated, and he was able to heartily answer, “Yes! I want to be made well!” One simple instruction from Jesus allowed the man to be made well in soul and strength, and to walk away from seemingly hopeless circumstances. “Stand up, pick up your bed and walk,” Jesus said to the man and to me and to you as much as we, too, perceive ourselves to be more victims of trauma drama than we are the beloved children of God. As a child of God-who-is-Love, am I willing to ‘Stand, take up my bed, and walk’? Am I willing to leave my position as victim behind and engage the healing that comes from saying ‘yes’ to Jesus? Holy Spirit help me engage the healing of Christ Jesus. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what awesome things he has brought on the earth. (Psalm 46: 7-8) God can heal wounds in me that I have learned to live with. Philip Yancey www.gospelmysteryoftheday.weebly.com & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
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AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. ArchivesCategories |