Wanting Change (blog)

"Do you want to get well?"  (John 5:6)

What a strange question Jesus asked the man languishing by the pool of Bethesda.  Why would he not want to get well, after 38 years as an invalid?  The Kingdom of God invites us to real change, but not everyone accepts.  Even long-term suffering can seem preferable, if the alternative is letting go of something comfortable or desirable.After healing him, Jesus warned the man to stop sinning.  What did the healed man do with his Kingdom invitation?  We don't know the rest of his story.What we do know is that Jesus wasn't threatening the man but trying to save him from the suffering that results from sin.  Jesus came to show us our sin, so that he can heal us and help us change our ways.  He came to save us, to welcome us into new life with him.Prayer:  Lord, are there things I am holding onto that are causing me or those around me to suffer?  Heal me Lord, and help me to change my sinful ways.