2130) Our world is full of victims of horrific and life-changing events and in the aftermath, the one hurt can sometimes collapse under the weight.  

It’s important for victims to be heard in their pain; to have acknowledgement that none of it should have happened. But when and if this validation comes, then what?  

John 5:1-8 addresses this dilemma. In this chapter, we read of a pool in Bethesda that attracted groups of people who were blind, lame and paralyzed.  

Most of these people believed when the pool waters were disturbed (some scholars think there may have been a hot spring underneath this pool), if they were the first one in, they would be healed.  

In John 5, Jesus goes to this pool and finds a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years and asked the man an important question. Jesus asks him if he wants to be healed.  

It’s easy to think, with no disrespect intended, that Jesus asked a foolish question. Why would the man be there if he didn’t want to be healed?  

I’m sure there are many reasons Jesus asked this question but for me, I hear Jesus asking the man, do you want to stay a victim, where you might receive pity continually, and regular acknowledgement for your pain?  

Or do you want to move from victim, and short-term comfort for what happened to you or are you ready to, in victory, let God use your pain to bring glory to him and perhaps help others?  

The question for today is: do you want to be healed? It’s more than just a question; it’s a choice.