An article in the Bergen (NJ) Record illustrates just how complacent we can become to our immediate circumstances. It tells of a zoo in Copenhagen, Denmark that put a human couple on display. Henrik Lehman and Malene Botoft live in a see-through cage, in the primate display, next to the baboons and monkeys.

Their 320-square-foot habitat has a living room with furniture, a computer, a television, and stereo. The kitchen and bedroom are also a part of the display. Only the bathroom is hidden from public view.

Unlike their neighbors, who aren't allowed out, the two humans occasionally leave their fishbowl existence to shop and water the flowers on their porch back at home. "We don't notice the visitors anymore," said Lehman. "If I want to pick my nose or my toes now, I do it." (Parade, Dec. 29, 1996)

Yes, we humans have an innate ability to adjust to just about any kind of circumstance in order to survive. Sometimes survival is the best we can hope for. Our problem, however, is that we too often settle for surviving rather than authentic living.

Jesus' question to the man was about physical healing, but the man's physical condition was not the main point. The question behind the question is about life itself: "Just what do you want from life? What is it you really need with God?" I'm afraid that many of us really don't know what it is we need.

Then Healing Doesn't Come

Most of what we come to expect out of life comes straight from the television or movie screen. We buy into the false reality that our culture hands to us. We sell our souls for an illusion of life -- not the real thing.

We also buy into the false reality peddled of a God who can be manipulated in order to make us healthier, wealthier, and wiser. With this god, everything happens by cause and effect. If you are suffering, then you have sinned. If you aren't being healed, then you don't yet have enough faith.

Did you notice in today's scripture there was a crowd of sick people surrounding that pool? There were many invalids -- the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. And as far as we know, Jesus asked only one of them if he would like to be healed. What about the others? What became of them?

Surely Jesus cared about them too, but he offers no explanation as to why grace came on that day to this particular man. There is a mystery about God's healing and grace that we cannot fathom or predict. Sometimes, though we want it desperately, healing does not come -- at least in the way we want it.

What Will It Be?

The well being Christ offers to all of us is greater than our physical world. It has to do with the sickness of our souls. St. Augustine said, "We are all restless until we find our rest in Thee." This is what God offers to us in Christ -- rest for our souls. But maybe we have something different in mind -- something more material. If so, then maybe we don't really want to be made well after all.

Jesus asks us the question today, and He deserves an honest answer. Healing will come on God's terms, not ours. It is really a question of faith. Can you trust God to change you without manipulating the results? Can you let go of your own fear of change and allow God to make all things new? A new life, a new way of living, that is the Good News of God in Christ.

If you really want to be made well, then you must cooperate with God's power. Jesus said to the man, "Get up ... and walk." That is His invitation to you and me this morning: "Get up ... walk ... put one foot in front of the other ... follow me."