JESUS' OFFER

John 5:6 & 7 6. "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?" 7."The impotent man answered him, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." When Jesus approached the crippled man, he was in the presence of other persons who were ailing and seeking healing. Notice that in verse 7, the infirmed man did not answer the question, "Wilt thou be made whole?" that Jesus asked. It was a specific question directed to him personally. The question was the introduction to his relief.  Rather than responding with "Yes, I want to be healed," the impotent man complained about what was foremost on his mind, which was the lack of assistance to get him to the point, where he believed that healing occurred. The mindset of the impotent man had remained unchanged for the duration his physical disability. He had depended on someone, anyone, to help him to get what he desired most, which was healing. In addition, he vehemently expressed  the fact that he was caught in a web of despair, of helplessness and of hopelessness, in that he could not compete with those around  him who were seeking healing. Jesus' question, "Do you want to be healed?" was intentional. Jesus wanted the man to examine himself and respond in the affirmative. Many of us are like the crippled man. We may not be physically crippled; but we may be enfeebled mentally or emotionally; or even spiritually weak. Such situations can cause frustration. So many times, Jesus gives us opportunities for positive change. Instead of grabbing the chances that are before us, we gripe and fuss about our existing, ongoing condition, and the fact that people have been unkind and inconsiderate to us, whilst we are in our helpless, weakened state. Although our stated claims may be true, Jesus wants  to move us from the point of brokenness to the point of wholeness. Jesus always offers transformation and renewal. He desires healing for each one. We must not wallow in self-pity. Instead, we need to accept Jesus' offer for wholeness; for wellness; and for cleansing. 3 John 1:2 states, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Jesus well knows that sickness of any degree impairs our well-being. Today, whatsoever is the situation that we are facing, regardless of its duration, Jesus offers hope; He brings change; He gives renewal. Jesus' question to us is still,  "Do you want to be healed?" May we answer with a resounding "Yes, I do!"