Psalm 11│Jeremiah 4.19-31│Galatians 3.23-4.7│John 5.1-18
Psaumes 11|Jérémie 4.19-31|Galates 3.23-4.7 |Jean 5.1-18
Move forward
Do you ever feel you have been left behind? Perhaps you have those moments where it feels
like life is changing for others but not for you - and it is not for want of
trying - but you feel stuck, treading water, while others are swimming away...
'Christ Healing the Sick at the Pool of Bethesda' by Pedro Orrente, 1580-1645, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria
For our 38 year old invalid at the Pool of Bethesda this was
an everyday reality. He literally could
not move forward - he could not get into
the pool as others were always there before him - and he was alone - there was
no one to help him, to get him to front of the queue.. so he felt stuck.. until
Jesus came along.
Jesus says little really to this man - he ask him
if he wants to be well - and then gives him commands - Get up - Pick up your
mat - and walk. 3 commands, 3
actions. Jesus takes the man way beyond
the front of the queue - he gives the invalid a new life - one directed by
Jesus, authored by Jesus and led by Jesus.
The man is no longer alone, he is no longer at the back of the queue, he
is no longer immobile. He turned to
Jesus and Jesus gave him what he needed - and more than he needed. Jesus brought purpose and action into this
life.
When we feel stuck, do we turn to Jesus? Do we trust in Jesus' knowledge of what we
need and the timing he has in mind? If
we feel a call to action from Jesus are we ready to follow it, even if we are
not sure what or why?
What three commands does Jesus have for us during
this time of Lent? What is our
equivalent of get Up, Pick up your mat and walk? Are we listening, ready to move forward as
Jesus commands?
Amen
Heather Roy
No comments:
Post a Comment