When was the last time you employed a phrase like, "That's amazing!", or "That is incredible!", or "That is impossible!?" Often when I verbalize such astonishment, when I think about the incident, it really was not that terrific. It simply seemed so at the time. That may say something about how easily impressed I am in the moment.
In the Gospel of John, there is an incident when Jesus encounters a man that has been infirm for 38 years. Not just a few months, or a couple of years, but 38 years this man has laid prone waiting for someone to help him. Waiting to make his way into the supposed healing waters of the pool at Bethesda. Then, out of nowhere, comes a man who asks a question that seems incredulous to the invalid - "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man does not say, "Yes", or "What the heck do you think?" or "Absolutely, why do you think I am here!" He offers a reason for his continued state. He is helpless and no one will help him.
Whether the man's response rang with tone of sarcasm or was sincere, Jesus said to the man, "Get up, take your bed, and walk." (v.8) And at once the man was healed and he took up his bed and walked. (v.9) Now that is impossible. Even asking the question of the man seemed impossible. For 38 years he had been prone, unable to walk. Now within a matter of seconds, he is up and walking.
The scripture does not tell us that the invalid had a saving faith encounter with the Christ that day. We cannot even infer that from verse 14. He was simply and miraculously healed. Taken from a state of helplessness to one of simply ability - the ability to do something he had not been able or willing to do for 38 years.
There is more to the story of course. Nevertheless, the intent of Jesus' initial encounter may simply be a story that says, when we are most helpless and dependent on someone or something other than ourselves, is when God can step in and do the impossible if we will let Him.
I think about by own life and how I seem to be incapacitated by my own circumstances. Hamstrung and helpless by situations that seem impossible. Often times it is my own fear that brings the debilitation, other times it is purely a lack of faith. I find myself waiting for help from others or different circumstances, when in reality what I need is God's amazing power of possibility.
Father, I am indeed helpless. May that helplessness bring me to a greater dependence on You.
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