38 Year Wait

“Now, there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie — the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ “
(John 5:2-6)

Jesus’ question seems unnecessary. Here’s a crippled man lying next to a pool of healing and Jesus asks if he wants to get well. You almost expect the guy to respond with a sarcastic, “Well, sir, I’m not here working on my tan!” Why did Jesus even bother to ask?
I am beginning to understand. I’ve discovered there are a lot of people who like to hang around the pool, but they don’t really want to be healed. They like to come to church, but they really don’t want to change. They don’t mind listening to a message, but they like things the way they are and they don’t want to give up their “poolside” lifestyle. They say, “I can’t get into the pool,” when what they really mean is “I WON’T get into the pool.”
Maybe you’re afraid of change. (“We’d really have to downsize.”) Maybe you’ve had 38 years to get used to a certain way of living. (“It’s not a great marriage, but it’s a marriage.”) Maybe you’re surrounded by dozens of un-healed others and have lost sight of what liberty in Christ could mean. (“Well, at least I’m a better father than he is.”)
Maybe you’re too ashamed of the condition of your heart. Maybe you still think you can make it on your own. Maybe you doubt that you have much of anything to offer the kingdom. Maybe you think it’s just too late for you. You have sensed the call of God to live on purpose — on mission — but for whatever reason, you’re hesitant to take action. God is calling you to take the plunge, but you’ve grown comfortable lounging by the pool.
But Jesus doesn’t usually speak in the language of tomorrow. Instead, He calls to you today. He’s not asking, “What if?” He wants you to consider “What now?” Ephesians 5:15-17 challenges us, “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
So, today would be a great day to settle the question. As a follower of Jesus, are you ready to follow wherever, go whenever, and do whatever He is asking of you?

Pursuing Today
What have you given up on or gotten used to? Think of a time (or times) when you clearly sensed that God wanted you to make a change or take some action. Write down what you are hearing. Share your intentions with a friend who will hold you accountable. And prayerfully resolve to “jump in” today.