August 31 | John 5:6-9
“Jesus saw this one lying there, and knowing he had already been there a long time, He said to him, “Do you wish to become healthy?” The sick man replied to Him, “Lord, I do not have a person, so that when the water is stirred, to put me into the pool. And when I am coming, another steps in before me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, pick up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.” (John 5:6–9)
Several times in my life, pastors and teachers have asked perceptive questions. They didn’t know my situation, or how I felt. But the Spirit gave them discernment to know what I needed to hear.
In His third sign of divinity in John’s Gospel, Jesus shows He alone is your source of healing. He meets a paralytic man waiting at this pool in Jerusalem. Most Bible versions have removed the verse that explains why He waits there. A tradition states that an angel stirs this pool. The first one who gets in the pool is healed. When Jesus meets him He asks, “Do you want to be healed?” The man is going to the wrong source.
Why is this a perceptive question? Too often we get comfortable with our infirmity. We think this is how it has to be. Maybe you get a nice disability check that comes with your infirmity. Perhaps you’re looking to doctors and medicines instead of Jesus the great Physician.
Action Step: Look to Jesus alone for your healing. God can use doctors and medicine. But He wants to heal you. Don’t get comfortable in your infirmity.
Jesus, I cry out to You from the depths of my soul. Heal this body! Make me whole by Your power. I believe Your promises. Thank You for my healing before it happens. I declare Your name, and my faith in You now!
