The chosen
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’
Read John 5:1–9
As someone who has lived with disability for more than 20 years and tried everything from prayers and prayer ministry to natural therapies to the best of medical science, I can relate to the journey of this disabled man: someone desperately seeking healing for their brokenness. (For a modern retelling of this desperation, check out Season 2, Episode 4 of the historical drama about Jesus called The Chosen, which, for me, so effectively visualises the plight of all who are broken and who desperately seek healing.)
This disabled person has missed out on life and missed out on help to get to the pool. His last hope is getting to it first, and he can’t even do that.
Anyone who has faced a debilitating medical condition that cannot be fixed knows this feeling well. The ‘rock-bottom’ feeling. And, as with any healing account (or news of any modern-day healings), it raises questions for us.
Why did Jesus choose this man? Why not choose all the people at the pool in need of healing? (Indeed, if I’m honest, why not me?!)
Although we aren’t given answers to these questions, we are given truths. This man is healed and doesn’t even know who Jesus is (John 5:13), but Jesus later chooses to seek him out a second time and reveal himself to him. Where? At the temple (John 5:14,15).
For me, that is so significant. That is what I want most of all: to get to know Jesus. And I know where to find him: in the temple (the assembly of his chosen ones – the church). If my healing doesn’t come in this lifetime, I know it will come in the next. All that matters until then is knowing Jesus. Why? Because I know deeply in my heart one certainty: He has chosen me to follow him!
Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing me to follow you. Please help me bring hope as I share the power of your healing grace in my life with those around me. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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