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Well That's A Stupid Question, Or Is It?
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” — John 5:2-7
To understand what is about to happen, you have to have a good picture in your mind of the scene. This pool looked a lot more like a third-world hospital. Visually you might imagine unclean people packed in around it. There was probably a rotten stench in the air. You might hear the moans of people in pain. And among them is one who has been an invalid for almost four decades—essentially all his life. Jesus notices him, walks over, and asks what might appear to be a stupid question.
"Do you want to be healed?"
Some people present might have even winced at this question and been offended by it. But really, it's a good question. It's the best question.
The question is this: "Do you want healing bad enough that you are willing to accept the change that goes with it?"
I have learned in my years of ministry that some people want to stay the same. They might say they do, but they don't. They want to tell you they do because they think that's the answer you want to hear. What they prefer is the comfort of their present state. And why? Because change is life-altering and means doing things differently than they are doing them right now.
For this lame man, Jesus's question is not like the official's son. It's not a question of belief. He believes the pool has the power to heal him. Otherwise, he wouldn't be sitting there. The question for him is, do you really want to heal because healing will change everything about your life. It's going to mean no more lounging by the pool. You're going to have to get a job. It's going to mean no more letting others care for you. You are going to have to care for yourself. And as Jesus knows, this lame man has grown accustomed to this way of life. So the question is excellent. And the question is, actually — Do you want healing bad enough that you are willing to change how you live the rest of your life?
These are the kind of men Jesus is looking for. All in men. Men willing to change anything and everything for the healing Jesus provides.
ASK THIS: Do you want to heal bad enough that you are willing to change how you live the rest of your life?
DO THIS: Live all in.
PRAY THIS: God, I have been holding back. Today is a new day to live all in for you.
PLAY THIS: I Want Jesus.
SIGN UP — THE DAILY DEVO
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Vince, you hit the nail on the head! In my ministry as a Mental Health Coach, I always ask that question, do you really want healing? Because you are correct, there are those who are comfortable in their pain. Change is a scary thing but change is necessary for progress and moving forward. I know this on a personal level. I have learned to embrace the suck . Because of this fact….. BUT GOD. Our Father cannot use us unless we are willing to make the move to change.
Right on DJ such a good point
Lord, I want to change. I desire to change greatly. I don’t ask for you to change me, I ask for the strength to change. I want to feel you in my life. You know the trials I face better than I do; show me, lead me so I can be your instrument, Jesus.
God, I have been holding back. Today is a new day to live all in for you. I pray that you would guide me to live all in for you today and everyday until you call me home.
Amen
I am sitting on a plane heading to the retreat in my “All In” hoodie. I am ready to heal and change! Love you guys!
Wow! That was the hugest question for me to answer a year and a half ago. I was so complacent in my misery. Now, when I sense that God has placed me in an uncomfortable situation, I know He is looking for me to act. When healing occurs you must be willing to turn away from ordinary.
I also want to add that I visited Asbury University five days into the revival. There was healing going on all around. I can’t fully put into words the work God was doing there but it was undeniable that the masses were welcoming the changes that God’s grace promises. Magnify that by it being lead by Gen-Z’s! >
Proud of you and grateful to be a part of your journey! It’s been awesome to watch your transformation. You definitely “walk the walk!” Keep it up brother!
❤️🙏
Cory B
Excellent! I have experienced this with men that I have tried to help. They just want a different outcome but not change to get it. Helps me to know Jesus really understood this and the possibility of rejection. Sorry for my ramble , this unpacking the question is very enlightening to me.
Thanks for this Vince,
Do you want to change enough that you’ll go all in with Jesus?
I needed to hear this and ask myself this daily about some situations in my life. A total perspective change.
This was a great study! I suffered from a severe depression for 9 years and was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. I went to various counselors who tried to help me. They were all Christians and used Scripture to try to help. Finally, a counselor said to me “do you really want to get well?” Because if I didn’t, she would still help manage my meds and my case, but I would lose everything, my family, included. Believe it or not I actually thought about it, but by God’s grace decided to move forward and do the hard work of getting well. God was merciful and strengthened me every step of the way. He gave me two friends who would not give up on me and today I lead a local Men’s Ministry. It all started with the question in today’s devotional. I pray that many men surrender their pride and say ‘yes’ to your question. Thank you for your straightforward challenges every day.
Vince, thank! Listened to your Devo all this week from Arusha, Tanzania. Heading back to USA. It has been exactly what I needed each morning. God Bless.