One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight 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?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
John 5:5-9
We all have moments where we feel disabled by something that we long to be delivered from – whether it be physical or mental illness, a storm in our life, or simply something we don’t like about ourselves. In a state of pandemic, sickness is at the forefront of our minds.
But right now, even those of us who are safe from this virus are under a sort of sickness, especially after two weeks of social distancing. On top of other struggles daily life has presented to us, we’re anxious about our health, responsibilities, fellowship, financial stability, childcare… the list seems never ending. Much like the invalid who encounters Jesus, we share an almost universally relatable cry – “When will I be free from this!”
During a Zoom check-in today, many of our middle schoolers requested prayers for others. In a very sweet way, they prayed for the sick, workers helping fight coronavirus, and those struggling financially – despite having earlier described their struggles and longings from staying home. Then, a 7th grade boy chimed in, asking to pray for him to win in his video game. In a hilariously beautiful way, he showed us all what we needed to know. With so much work to do, God is still here for us and wants to be involved in even the littlest things in our lives.
Jesus is here for you and me, right now, asking “Do you want to get well?” Like the invalid, we don’t need someone to help us into ‘healing waters’. Instead, all we have to do is look to Jesus and respond “Yes.” He is here for us and is actively working to deliver us from our struggle. And while we struggle, God is helping us grow in ways that will allow us to greater reflect His light into the world.
In Christ,
Mark
