“Odds are . . . you have been stuck. Lodged between a rock and a hard place, unable to escape. Mired in the mud of resentment, bogged down in debt, trapped in a dead-end job, up to your waist in the swamp of an unsolvable conflict. Stuck.”- Max Lucado
‘One of the men lying there (the pool of Bethesda) had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, ‘Would you like to get well?’ “- John 5:5-6 (NLT)
In Chapter 4 (“Stand Up, Take Up, and Walk”) of Never Alone, Max Lucado talks about the miracle of the paralyzed man’s healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). The pool was quite large – 393 feet long, 164 feet wide, and 49 feet deep.
Yet, even though the people waiting for the healing waters of Bethesda to bubble up presented a sad, piteous sight, Jesus walked into the midst of it. And when Jesus’ eyes landed on the man, He asked the pivotal question.
Certainly, Pastor Lucado observes, at first glance this seems like an odd question to ask a sick person. So, why would Jesus ask such a question.? Max believes the duration of the man’s condition prompted Jesus to ask the man if he really wanted to get well. In fact, Max asserts, the man’s response elicited a firm tone from Jesus. The man responded: “I can’t sir.’ the man said, “For I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”- John 5:7
Consequently, Jesus responds with a firm tone. In effect, Jesus asks the man if her really enjoys being sick. Because a healing disrupts everything. It means getting on with life. In conclusion, Max asks:
“Do you really want to get healed? That’s the question Christ asked then. That’s the question Christ asks of all of us. Do you want to get . . . better? . . . Over your past? Beyond your upbringing? Do you want to get stronger, healthier, happier? Would you like to leave Bethesda in the rearview mirror? Are you ready for a new day, a new way? Are you ready to get unstuck?”
Today’s question: Currently, do you find yourself lodged between a rock and a hard place? Pleas share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “This Bethesda of your life”
