Wanting to be Left Alone

Scripture: Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. John 5:13-15

Observation: Jesus heals a man who for so long could not become healed in the pool at Bethesda. When questioned about improper activity on the Sabath, the healed man does not name Jesus. However, Jesus later confronts him again ... this time he is in the temple, presumably begging even though he is healed and no longer in need of alms. Jesus warns the man that this deception is sin, and with that the healed man reports Jesus to the authorities.

It is possible this is a simple matter of knowledge. It is possible the healed man did not know who Jesus was, but upon meeting him again in the temple learns his identity, and thus complies with the request of the authorities. It is also possible this is a friendly 'telling'; that the man wanted to tell others about Jesus but didn't know his name, then learned it and publicizes it. However, that isn't quite how the narrative feels. This feels like the healed man wanted to live off public pity. He waited an unreasonable amount of time to be healed. Once healed, he simply continued to beg. And when Jesus called him out for this, he didn't appreciate being scolded and "turned him in".

What a complicated relationship this man had with the Lord. He acted like he wanted a miracle to heal him, but certainly after 38 years he could have figured out how to receive such a healing from the pool ... so he didn't really want it. He is healed, and gives no thanks to Jesus. Once healed, he just keeps his old life. When corrected about the nature of his actions, he reports Jesus to authorities.

Most people define a "full life" as one with family, friends, joy, health, and meaning. Within a few short sentences, we learn that this unnamed man literally had none of the above. We then learn ... he didn't even want them, and when given the opportunity to have them he got miffed and resentful.

He didn't want a life ... he wanted God to leave him alone.

Application: I am becoming more and more sad by the realization of the relationship many people have with God, and how their attitude toward God poisons their entire life. How many people, if convinced God exists, would actually declare they would prefer that God totally leave them alone? Many, I think. And many of those actually have lives that can best be described as a "shambles". 

I have been writing about this often lately. That must mean my heart is breaking for these people.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the softening of my heart. I do mourn for those who would prefer an empty, broken, hopeless, painful life, than to simply ask for - and than you for - any kind of healing. I am sure you weep for them, as I am saddened today too. Amen.