A Perspective Shift – Week One

Everywhere you looked, there were hurting people – some blind, some lame, and others sick with disease. All were drawn to this place through the common bond of hope. The Pool of Bethesda, located just outside the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, was known for miracles.

Each of the five covered porches surrounding the pool sheltered desperate men and women who had heard the stories. It was commonly believed that from time to time, an angel of God would come and stir up the waters. Then, the first person to step into the pool would be completely healed from any pain or physical suffering.

In John 5, the Bible tells us the story of one man who found himself at this very poolside, hoping for healing. We don’t know exactly what sickness plagued him, but we do know he had been sick for thirty-eight years. That’s right – thirty-eight long years. What does that length of time represent for you? For some of us, that’s the length of our entire life or more. For this man, it was representative of decades of suffering.

Consider how he may have felt curled up by the water – hope mixed with doubt, courage mixed with fear, and anticipation mixed with anxiety. Maybe, today would be the day the angel would arrive. Maybe, just maybe, he could be the first into the water. Maybe, he would finally be free. But then again, what about all the other people waiting. What if someone else was more desperate? What if they were first? What if he didn’t deserve healing?

Suddenly, a man stood over him, a man he had never seen before. Then the man spoke, asking a seemingly obvious question. “Do you wish to get well?” (John 5:6 NASB)

Seriously? What kind of question was that? Why else would he be here waiting for the waters to move – hoping against hope that he might be the lucky one this time. Of course, he wanted to get better! He had been trying to accomplish that for thirty-eight long years.

But something about the man compelled him to answer, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” (John 5:7)

The man he later found out was Jesus of Nazareth was not concerned about the water or his ability to make it down the steps in time. Jesus had another solution.

“Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” (John 5:8)

Again, something compelled the man to respond. Immediately, he rose up – completely healed. He could walk, he could bend, he could move freely.

This sick man thought his only hope was the miraculous healing waters. But then he met the Son of God, the Great Physician.

His story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. I don’t know why out of the multitude of hurting, Jesus chose to meet that man that day. But He did.

As I ponder this story, I am struck by my own similarities to the sick man. Far too often, I am searching for hope and healing in the wrong places. I can be so fixated on one way that my hope is in that solution instead of Jesus.

What about you? Is there a place where you are desperate and hurting? Does your solution have your focus and attention?

What if Jesus has another way?

It could be…
You want physical healing, and He wants to heal your soul.
You had a plan for your life, but He has a new direction.
You want to fix things by your power, but You need His supernatural strength.
You are intent on one thing, and He wants to open your eyes to more.
You think you need money, but He wants to change your heart.

Friends, it’s time to let go of our solutions, look up to Jesus, listen to Him, and follow His directions.