“Well, THAT was a stupid question.”

Most people hesitate to ask a question for fear their question is stupid.  MOST of the time, nothing is further from the truth.  I love answering questions and helping people understand. Every now and then, however, someone usually comes up with a doozy.

Usually  someone who didn’t listen or pay attention that question.  Consequently, they ask a question already answered.

Jesus’ “Stupid” Question

It seemed as though Jesus had asked a very stupid question. Let me set the stage for you.

You can read the entire story in John 5:1-9, but I will summarize for you. While in Jerusalem on the Sabbath of a Feast Day, Jesus passed by a place called Bethesda (click on picture for article about it if you are interested) where those who were physically infirmed gathered around a pool hoping to be healed. The superstitious tradition of the day was that an angel from heaven would descend at a certain time and stir the water. The first person into the pool after the water was “touched by an angel” received full healing.

Jesus encountered a man who had lived 38 years with a debilitating infirmary and asked him, “Do you want to be healed?” The man never really answered Jesus’ question. He used the excuse that no one would help him into the water at the appropriate time.

As it turned out, the question was not so stupid after all.  The man had to lose if Jesus actually healed him. Healing would bring many unknown and possibly uncomfortable life changes – new expectations, new friendships, and new routines to name a few. He had to seriously consider if the healing he sought was really worth the consequences it would bring.

What About Us?

We say we want His blessing, but what if His blessing brings change?

We want Him to move in our lives, but what if that movement leads us to forsake sinful habits, attitudes, and relationships?

Sometimes, we ask Him to lead us, but what if He leads us somewhere we really don’t want to go?

We ask, expecting Him to say “yes,” but what if His answer is “no”?

I guess the question really boils down to what we want most out of our relationship with God.

Do we want to experience the power of God at work in us, or do we want God to pay our bills, heal our sicknesses, and solve our problems?

Do we want goodies from a heavenly sugar daddy’s hand, or do we want God to conform us to the image of Jesus?

Today will you pursue a god who gives you what you want or a GOD who wants to make you a new creation? What are you asking from God – stuff or transformation? Only you can decide for yourself.

Do you really want to be healed?