Grace

John 5 1-9 v 9 “The man immediately became well, picked up his cot, and walked. That happened on a day of worship.”

Jesus went to Jerusalem for a festival. Near Sheep Gate was a pool called Bethesda. There were a large number of sick people around the gate. Jesus saw one man and knew he had been sick for many years. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed. He complained that he was unable to get to the healing water of the pool. Jesus then told the man to “get up, pick up your cot, and walk.” The man immediately became well, picked up his cot, and walked. That happened on a day of worship.”

Part of my work involved treatments that were ideal for cancer patients. I found my passion in a career that I already enjoyed in the later part of my working life. I had first worked with cancer patients at a children’s hospital. Yes I remember a first time mom at 40 totally overwhelmed that babies can get cancer? That hardworking, healthy eating people get cancer. That sisters can have the same disease but very different outcomes. That you can have lots of money or very little and you can get cancer. That some survive and some do not. That there was always a constant need for treatment. There was always a large number of sick people in the hospital. That despite your circumstances, whether sick or well ultimately responding to Jesus as our savior is the only way to healing.

That is what I see here. Jesus saw many sick people that day and chose one to be healed. He seemed to be resigned to being sick, “well I can’t get to the pool , others get in my way, I have no friends to help me.” Jesus chose him anyway. But when Jesus told him to get up and carry his cot he did, no questions asked and immediately became well. For Jesus the risk was great as it was technically against the rules on a day of worship and would give his enemies fuel to convict Him. Jesus did it anyway.

Whatever our life circumstances listen for the voice of Jesus calling us to be healed, to get up and walk in faith. Jesus cares for all, and that includes you.

Holy God, heal those who ask today in Jesus name we pray. Amen.