What the Doctor Ordered!

While Jesus was in Jerusalem He had the following encounter.
"(2) Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. (3) In these lay a multitude of invalids -- blind, lame, and paralyzed. (5) One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. (6) When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "DO YOU WANT TO BE HEALED?'" ( John 5:2-6 ESV)

Does that sound like a strange question? Wasn't that why the man was there? It is possible for one to become so accustomed to their malady (affliction, ailment, or problem) that they really don't want healing. This man, having been in his condition for "a long time", could have begun to view it as a means of excusing himself from some of life's responsibilities. His infirmity could have presented a seemingly reasonable excuse for idleness. Perhaps one could even begin to find enjoyment in the attention such a condition might bring.

There are some diseases that are incurable not for lack of drugs or methods of treatment, but because of an unwillingness to follow what the PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBES. One of the things that has to be frustrating to doctors is when they have patients who will not follow the PRESCRIBED TREATMENT for what ails them. Detailed programs of treatment, therapy, diet, or follow-up visits are ignored and the patient does not get any better.

How many struggle with sin and refuse to come to the Great Physician who holds the key to remedying the sin-sick soul? Some don't want to give up the sin. They may dislike the discomfort of the consequences, but don't want to give up the lifestyle either. One of the greatest spiritual ailments is the lack of recognizing that one is sick and in need of healing. (note Luke 5:30-32) Are we willing to follow the Great Physician's orders?

This man was healed. He was obedient to what the Lord prescribed. When Jesus told him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk", that's what he did. ( John 5:8-9) We would also do well to GET UP and just FOLLOW the directions the LORD HAS PRESCRIBED.

Solomon exhorted.
"(7) Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and TURN AWAY FROM EVIL. (8) IT WILL BE HEALING TO YOUR FLESH AND REFRESHMENT TO YOUR BONES."( Proverbs 3:7-8 ESV)

Have a great day FOLLOWING THE DIVINE SPECIALIST'S ORDERS!
Carl

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