Do You Want to get Well?

http://www.bible-history.com/jerusalem/firstcenturyjerusalem_pool_of_bethesda.html

A Pagan crippled man lay on his mat near a pool which was often stirred by a supernatural force. He knew that if he could only get into the pool first, he would be healed.

He had been crippled for 38 years.

His only hope of healing was to depend on magical forces.

One day a Jewish Rabbi came to the Pagan center.

In speaking with the cripple he found out that

No one would help him into the water.

The man believed that the reason he was crippled for 38 years was because he could not get into the pool first. 


No one wanted to help him get healed.

He had been there for 38 years, so you would think that the other maimed and suffering people would have had pity and given him a chance, right?! 

OR maybe even some strong people would have eventually passed him regularly and helped him into the pool.

The Jewish Rabbi asked the Pagan crippled man, do you want to get healed?

Some of you may know the outcome of this story, while others may not. But here, let's focus on the question asked to the 38 year cripple. 

Healing sometimes comes with obedience.

The Rabbi told the man to pick up his mat and walk.

And he did!  

http://www.risenchurch.com/media.php?pageID=5