Patience
I find it very interesting the way this verse is phrased. The man had been ill for 38 years, and out of those who knows actually how long he had been sitting at the water's side. However, it does make it clear that he had been there a long time. What I find interesting is that Jesus picked this man to heal. It doesn't exactly say why in the verse but I have a feeling I know why. There is much more to this than just physical illness. When troubles, hard times, illness, pain, disappointment, etc...come our way, we always look for a quick fix. It is human nature. I know it shouldn't be, but I can all the people sitting around the water just waiting for the angel to come stir it up. And can you imagine the scene when the angel does come?! I bet it is worse the the doors opening at Wal Mart on black friday! All the people are just sitting around waiting for a quick fix, not paying attention to the other, who's been there longer, only worrying about themselves. Such a scene is so true still today. But Jesus saw a man who, even after years of disappointment, was still trying. True, he probably first went to the water for the quick fix just like all the others. But I believe he soon realized there was no such thing. His mind set changed. It went from quick fix to long struggle. Maybe he would have never made it in the water in his lifetime, but I believe he would have kept trying. Because at that time, that water was the only hope he had. I wonder how many times people have come to Jesus for the quick fix, but after soon realizing its not coming, walk away from the water (Jesus). The saddening thing is that most of these people know that Jesus is the only hope. They are just too impatient, and caught up with the desires of the world, to stay and fight. Jesus has a lesson and purpose for everything. And he knows we learn more, and more appreciative of what we gain, through long struggles. The simple virtues of patience and persistence are necessary to live the kind of life Jesus is looking to use. So, for me and for you, when someone beats you to the water time and time again, don't walk away. Stay. Inch closer. Observe the surrounding. Look for the lesson and listen to the voice. Because my friends, if we walk away from the water, we walk away from our only hope.
Created almost 2 years ago
