Wednesday, August 17, 2022

John 5:2-9

John 5:2-9 

  Do you really see needy people?
  They're all around us.  Sometimes they're standing by the freeway off ramps.  Other times they're living out of their cars, moving around to find safe spots to stay.  Needs vary, as circumstances do.  No one has the same story.  
  What's amazing about these stories is the way that Jesus always sees people.  It's a little word here, but remember that this man has been an invalid for 38 years.  For how many of those years did people just walk by without seeing him?  What's hope look like when you're stuck for 38 years and people don't notice you anymore?  If it's been 38 years, will anything really change?
  But Jesus sees.  He sees, and he knows.  The same way he heard the Israelites when they cried out in Egypt, Jesus sees because he cares.  
  Friends, Jesus sees you in your struggles.  He sees, and he cares.  The healing may not be as instant as it was in this case, but even after 38 years of suffering for this man, there was hope and restoration.  None of us are beyond hope -- it's always there for each of us.  And it starts because Jesus sees us.

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