A Deeper Healing

There was a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, sitting in the pool of Bethsaida. Jesus walks along, and asked a simple question: “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5). A response to the question would have been a simple yes or no, but the man complained about how he wasn't able to get into the pool. He placed his faith so much in luck and in the pool till he missed the fact that the Healer who could bring total restoration into his life was there.

Jesus wasn't just offering the power to heal him physically as he asked, “Do you want to get well?” He was also offering the power to change his heart so that he would break away from his victim mindset and follow Jesus. Jesus was most interested in changing the man from the inside out, but all the man wanted was Jesus's power to heal his condition, and that was all that he received. The fact that his heart wasn't changed was seen when he went to tell the Pharisees that it was Jesus who healed him. There wasn't a hint of gratitude from his part. He would rather walk more to tell the Pharisees that it was Jesus who healed him, getting Him into trouble.

For one's spirituality and standing with God is not dependent on the miracles and blessings they have received [it's all due to God's grace, goodness and love that we are able to receive all these]; it is dependent on our hearts - whether we are willing to let God change our hearts, adopt His value systems and walk in faith.

We will not be made righteous through mere works, for no one is good - not even one. By the holy standards of God, all have missed the mark. We are made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, believing in the power of His resurrection and allowing the Spirit to change our hearts. Works are the fruit of our faith, coming naturally like a snap of the finger.

Many would want Jesus's Hands, but few would want His heart. Allowing your heart to be changed by Him would bring forth a change forever. Jesus would not just offer you a physical healing when you need one; He will also offer you something far greater and more impactful in your life: the power to change your heart so that you will have total healing [physically, emotionally and spiritually]. For those who have been willing in letting God bring forth a heart change, guard your heart from evil, seeking after Jesus wholeheartedly.

Proverbs 4:21-27
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

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