Jesus once met a man who had been handicapped for 38 years. After spotting him lying near a pool in Jerusalem, Jesus asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6).
At first, that sounds like a strange question. Of course the guy wanted to get well. He’d been handicapped for decades! In asking the question, however, Jesus acknowledged that sometimes people seem more inclined to remain in a crippled and broken state than to be healed.
Ironically, for some, the journey to restoration from personal brokenness seems too scary. Even though the wounds of life have crippled and imprisoned them, it’s what they have gotten used to.
Anyone can get so accustomed to living in a state of brokenness that they’re too afraid to leave it. It’s called becoming institutionalized. This term is used to describe the state of a prisoner who flounders at trying to live in “the real world” once he’s been freed from jail or paroled. Struggling with life outside the prison walls, some ex-cons will commit a crime in order to get sent back to the way of life they know and desire to experience again.
This frame of mind is similar to the one the Israelites slipped into shortly after God miraculously freed them from the bondage of Egypt. A life of slavery was the only life these people knew. And just a few days into their freedom, when the journey became difficult, they wanted to go back (Exodus 16:1-3). Following God into the wilderness toward the Promised Land might have felt too risky. They weren’t ready to “get well.”
God is in the business of restoration, but we need to know that the journey isn’t easy. It sometimes requires leaving behind what’s familiar and heading into new directions (John 5:8).
More:
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds (Psalm 147:3).
Next:
How would you answer Jesus’ question: “Would you like to get well?” Is there something you’re not willing to give up in order to get well?
BobbiLee on March 25, 2009 at 1:53 am
Both in the physical realm and the spiritual one, there are many lessons in this passage for us today as you have pointed out. We do like our “comfort zone.” Wellness requires responsibility and we don’t like to take that on. Instead, like the crippled man in this account, many people would rather take the easier, familiar path. Being dependent on others for our needs and being “spoon-fed” sure is a lot easier than taking responsibility for either physical or spiritual healing.
Some years ago I suffered a serious illness and almost died. It took the doctors eight months to come up with a diagnosis. During that time I depended entirely on the doctors for my healing and was confined to a chair all day and every day. After many months of sickness and pain, I finally realized that I had to allow God into my illness. I also had to take the first step if I ever wanted to get well and strong again.
So. . . one day, as difficult and painful as it was, I took a step, then two, then three. Daily I would take a few more steps than the day before. I stayed in the Word and God spoke to me there. I learned more of God during that time than in all my life before. You are right, the journey isn’t easy. Even in my spiritual life I can take a few steps, then more and more until I am truly walking with the Lord daily. This also takes time, effort and responsibility, but He is worthy and He is worth it.
ryanbinphoenix on March 25, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I am stuck in this rut right now in a way.I mean I go to work every Friday and Saturday,I pay my bills and my rent,I go toappointments, but this is it.I don’t feel capable of taking care of myself, my apt, or anything else that is me or mine.My place is a wreck, my car needs an oil change and I need a shower.I mean I just don’t feel like doing it.I am stuck in a rut and don’t know how to get out of it.I just don;t feel like doing anything.Do I want to get well?I don’t know.I think I do, but when it comes down to actually getting things done, I am just not doing it.
PinkSpark on March 25, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Stuck in a rut? Call on The Lord and tell Him honestly what is going on. He already knows :0) He is Your healing but you have to do some of the work by giving it over to Him—all of your life and for your healing. He will handle the rest. I pray He answers your prayer. Be blessed and encouraged He WILL DO IT!!!
Hannah C on March 3, 2011 at 12:54 pm
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER JESUS’ QUESTION: “WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET WELL?” Definitely yes, Jesus! Heal me not only from physical sickness, but from the things that pull me down — emotional struggles, weaknesses, etc.
IS THERE SOMETHING YOU’RE NOT WILLING TO GIVE UP IN ORDER TO GET WELL? It’s not that I don’t want to give it up. I have surrendered my life to Him, and He is the Lord of my life. However, just like what the devotional said, giving up everything takes special guidance from Him. God, here are the things that block me from making you number one in all aspects of my life. Take them. I only ask that You hold my hand.. Help and guide me during the times when I am tempted to go back. Help me to stay faithful to you always.