Sermon

In the last service we shared together you may or may not recall that we focussed on the occasion of the first miracle that Jesus performed and which took place at the wedding in Cana. We thought about transformation and the difference that Jesus can make in a person's life and today we continue with our journey through John's gospel.

The reading is no doubt familiar, recording the tradition that the first in the pool when the waters were stirred was healed. There were many disabled in need of help around the pool but the man in the story had been disabled for thirty eight years. I used to wonder why Jesus asked a question the answer to which was obvious. Do you want to get well? The man had been waiting for a long time and the answer surely must be yes but I now understand that the reason why the question was asked is that God never intrudes upon our free will. He is all powerful and could compel us to obedience but in his grace He waits for us to respond. You have probably heard the expression enjoying ill health and there are those who thrive on it. They enjoy the attention it brings, being off work etc. and contrary to the impression given are sorry when they recover.

The fact that Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath caused some consternation amongst the religious leaders. Initially they pointed the accusing finger at the man who was healed simply because he picked up his mat and carried it. Tradition did not allow this and there are times in our own lives that dictate what is and is not allowed. In my own childhood and youth there were Sunday stipulations which were not acceptable. Certain games and activities which as time has gone by were abandoned for my own children in order that Christianity and discipleship were not always seen in a negative way. We can learn a great deal from Jesus and the way in which He responded to need whenever He was confronted with it. This takes us back to the question that He asked the man beside the pool and the consequence of the man's response.

There is no shortage of miracles relating to physical healing in our bibles and there were few occasions when Jesus could not perform them. His home town of Nazareth was one such place and he attributed unbelief to this failure. A prophet without honour in his own land or in modern jargon "familiarity breeds contempt". Whichever way you look at it there was a lack of faith. There are many questions associated with the healing ministry of Jesus that we do well to ask, such as why doesn't He always heal people when we ask. Why do Christians as well as non Christians suffer terrible illnesses, why are some people healed and not others and could there possibly be a link between sin and suffering? Perhaps for us today even more importantly is it conceivable that healing fails to take place because of our unbelief, we do not actually believe that Jesus can or will heal those for whom we pray. I do not pretend to hold all the answers but I do believe that sin can affect our physical well being reducing our resistance but I am not convinced that sin causes it. Sometimes there is a broader reason why God does not heal when asked.

Joni Ericson, a young American girl broke her back in a swimming accident. She and many others pleaded to God for her healing but it was just not to be. The experience brought her into true faith and through the books she has written and the testimony she has given many people have come to put their trust in Jesus. Sometimes there is indeed a greater purpose.

In summarising the question of physical healing the simple answer is that there is no simple answer. Our faith is in a God of love who cannot be measured by human standards. We have to believe that He is in absolute control and knows exactly what He is doing and why. We do not have the prerogative of determining His will and His ways but just have to trust Him. Sometimes He heals instantly and dramatically but other times He doesn't which I know from my own experiences that on occasions the healing can be temporary which I have also encountered.

A number of years ago whilst living in Rochdale I was asked by his wife to visit a steward of our Church because he was seriously ill. To be honest I felt he was at death's door but we prayed together and much of the next day was spent in prayer and fasting for his recovery. The following evening his wife phoned to say how much he had improved and he survived for a further eighteen months or so. We were thankful for this temporary reprieve but God was calling him home and the time had come. The temporary reprieve gave us opportunity to be more readily prepared for the event when it happened and helped us to appreciate the graciousness of God in his dealings with us.

In the story of the healing of the man at the pool we are told that he was overtaken by a new boldness when challenged by the church authorities. All he knew was that he was disabled and having been instructed by Jesus on what he had to do he did it and was healed. He had a testimony to give and was not hesitant in sharing with any who were prepared to listen just what had occurred. We could learn a great deal about witnessing from the man at the pool.

I do not believe that miracles ended with the early Church but the miraculous is an encouragement to faith and acceptance of Christ. We are living in a time of physical need but also when great emphasis is being placed on the emotional and mental needs arising from the circumstances of our times. Counsellors are involved with helping people through the traumas of the day but little is said about the spiritual condition of people and the strength and fortitude which is to be found by knowing trusting and believing in God. These are the days when the Church and we as Christians have an opportunity to offer our saviour Jesus Christ as the answer to the needs of the people. We have seen plenty of rushed through legislation in recent months but rules and regulations do not change the hearts of people. Only God can do that.

It is surprising and disappointing that the Church has not been more forthcoming in what it has to offer in these times of desperation. Food parcels and acts of kindness are one thing and should not be underestimated but the hope for the future will not be found in economic recoveries. It will be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of the Living God who died at Calvary, rose again and is seated at the right hand of God offering healing, hope and happiness to anyone and everyone who is willing to accept Him as their own personal saviour and live in the service of His kingdom.

Perhaps the question that we need to address this morning is, are we the Church family of God those people who are willing to share the Good News with others because only in Christ and through Christ will lives be changed and access to heaven secured. There is no other way! Amen