March 29

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

John 5: 1-18

Jesus showed great compassion when he singled out one man among the many afflicted there.  Jesus knew this man had been ill for a very long time and asked him, “Do you want to get well?”  The man answered with words of despair, as one who has given up hope.  Then Jesus told him to do the impossible – to get up, pick up his mat and walk.  The man obeyed and his body was instantly healed.  And yet, the man walked away from this miraculous encounter as an empty vessel.

With great compassion, Jesus sought him out again to help him see who it was that healed him and on who’s authority.  “See, you have been made well.  Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.”  Was his sin unbelief?  Was he spiritually paralyzed with fear?  I hope he pondered these things in his heart afterward.

We have a loving God that desires us to be spiritually well and with patience gives us second chances.  Have you encountered God in an important way and didn’t take the time to process and appreciate it?  Take time to respond to His glorious gifts.  Receive His gifts with awe and humility.  Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response.

We are each an earthen vessel designed to be filled with heavenly contents.  May the peace of the Lord always be with you.

Reflection by Trish Palmer