when you don't ask

Our staff is working through the book of John for our staff Bible study. on Friday we read, John 5:1-15, where Jesus heals the lame man by the pool. we had a great discussion over the passage...lots of different ideas and angles on what went on here, and a lot we don't know. did the man want to be healed? was he just avoiding the question by the answer he gives Jesus when Jesus asks if he wants to be healed? had he lost hope? but here's what we know. we know the man didn't ask to be healed. he didn't demonstrated "exceptional faith" (except that he did obey the command Jesus gave him to get up, take his mat and walk). but God healed him anyway

Here's what i find incredibly encouraging about this passage. This man didn't go looking for Jesus, he didn't ask to be healed...he didn't even know who Jesus was (the first time the Pharisees ask who healed him he says "i don't know") - but Jesus still healed him. We don't know if Jesus went specifically to heal this man - or if he happened to be walking through that gate to Jerusalem and noticed him. we do know that Jesus healed him...and he didn't even ask for it...and when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed...he didn't even say yes.

This is beautiful - the God who loves us before we love him. while we are still sinners. the God who heals us - even when we don't ask for it. The God who gives good gifts when we don't deserve them. the God who is hope to those who have none.

I see this story in the lives of so many of our clients. that they are being offered hope before they realize they want it. they are being offered new life before they want it. but God in His infinite goodness offers it anyway.

I serve the God who heals...even when we don't ask for it...and that is good news indeed.