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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Willingness (02/21/05)
Once in the city of Jerusalem near the gate where sheep were herded in and out of the city sat a pool. Five covered columns surrounded the pool. Occasionally, and angel came and stirred the waters. When this happened, the waters developed a healing quality, which apparently contained only enough medicinal benefits for one person.


All those with physical ailments hung at the poolside hoping to get lucky. One would assume that if a disabled person waited at the pool they were willing to be healed. Yet, Jesus asked a man who had and infirmity for thirty-eight years, “Do you want to be well?” The man’s response wasn’t a “yes” or a “no”. He explained that each time the angel came, someone stepped down ahead of him.


So the question that springs to my mind is, “Was he willing to be healed but not able or able to be healed but not willing?” I have known people and maybe on occasion have been a person who enjoys tragedy. These people are easily identifiable by comments that they make such as, “You’re not going to believe what happened to me, now” or “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I would have no luck at all. However, I have, also, known people who never seem to catch a break. Who truly only seem to have bad luck. Their lives are shrouded with hardship upon hardship, so much so that you wonder how they manage to bear up under the pressure.


Whatever our circumstance, no matter what type of personality bent we have, when Jesus comes along and says, “Take up your mat and walk.” We need to remember that he is able but we must be willing.
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This article has been read 1592 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Deborah Bauers
03/03/05
I believe that you are suggesting that this infirmed man enjoyed playing the part of the victim too much, to be willing to be healed. Interesting thought. I'd like to see you develop this a bit more. Thanks for sharing.
donna robinson
03/05/05
I understood this completely as there does seem to be those who never seem to get a break but keep on trudging believing it will be soon. So many things I could say here as this just hit so many points in my life. I think I really needed to read this tonight.
Deborah Parker
03/07/05
A different look. I enjoyed it.
Debbie OConnor
03/07/05
Good admonishment, Darlene. I have known and occasionally been this type of person. As a young adult my every romance ended sadly and I would revel in mourning the losses almost as much as I did enjoying the actual relationships. In my case, I think it came from watching too many soap operas. Glad those days are LONG gone, along with the soaps. You're so right. We have to be willing to be healed. We have to receive the help God freely offers.
Amy Michelle Wiley 
06/25/05
I really enjoyed seeing your perspective on this story. Perhaps if the man was unwilling, that would explain Jesus' comment later in the story: "Stop sinning so that something worse will not happen to you." Good points, well written.