Nougat 17

Having gotten a better grasp of the background to this profound encounter, let’s begin to see HOW God meets us in our situations of distress. Here’s today’s Holy Nougat

“Jesus saw the man lying there and knew that he had been sick for a long time. So Jesus asked the man, “Would you like to get well?”” John‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭GW‬‬

Finally; someone seems to care for the sick and the infirm!

We note that

a) Jesus SAW the man.

This is a similar concept to Peter and John’s post-Pentecost experience (see Acts 3:1-11). In a world where so many passed by without noticing the sick and infirm, or only cared about helping their own; it is noteworthy that Jesus noticed this man. It is a quiet assurance that even in our invisible spaces; Jesus sees us and our ailments.

But Jesus response didn’t stop there. He also

b) knew the FULL details of the man’s problem. Can you imagine Jesus seeing beyond the manifestation of our scars to the events that resulted in our injuries? Well He does. Unlike the man at the pool that day, we have the benefit of the back story. We KNOW that Jesus knows what ails us and why.

Allow that to sink in a bit. Regardless of what the world sees, we are VISIBLE to God. Jesus SEES us. He Gets us and even understands what is behind our being by the pool awaiting Mercy or losing Hope.

What Jesus does next is astounding. Rather than speak the healing word or touching the man; Jesus

c) asks what the man wants

Having seen persons with disabilities being forced to beg on the roadside in Jamaica and elsewhere; having seen not-so- tattered beggars emerge all over Genève (Geneva), I am extremely aware that NOT everyone who seems unwell desires healing.

So let’s revisit our own scars

Are we really desiring God’s healing; or is it more convenient to ‘hug up our hurts’ like a part-time occupation? Especially if somebody wronged us. Did we truly let go, or are we holding a grudge thinking we are punishing the one who did us wrong (ouch)? Cause it may be that WE are punishing – ourselves . That we’re being trafficked by the enemy of our souls to beg for hand outs in the wrong ways and places.

Gently probe the scars we bear. If it still hurts, then we’re not quite healed.

See Jesus stop right at our spot by the poolside. Notice Jesus noticing us. Seeing deep within. Hear Jesus asking us, ”Would you like to get well?”

How shall we respond?

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May all we seek be found in Christ