John 5:14

Later that day Jesus finds the man while in the temple.  He approaches him and says, “Take note, you have been restored.  Change your foolish ways lest you risk something worse happening to you.” John 5:14 EFP

Unlike the times Jesus either says, “Your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2) or “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11), this time Jesus says something quite different.  He literally says, “No more sin, that no worse to you something happens.”  You can’t get around it even in Greek!  But what did Jesus mean?

I grew up hearing the explanation that bad things happen to people who sin.  It was clear, concise, and convenient.  It was easy to identify the sinners because they were the ones with bad things happening to them.  But the older I got the less sense this made.  It was even a bit contradictory (Read John 9:1-3) to other statements made by Jesus. 

Can it be that Jesus tells all of us who have been largely spared the consequences of our misdeeds that we should change our ways or the laws of cause and effect cannot be avoided indefinitely?  The man must have suffered his disability as the result of some carelessness or past folly.  He receives a second chance from Jesus.  What else would Jesus say to him (and to us)?  Life can be cruel.  Consequences are often tragic and indiscriminate.  Stop living in a state of rebellion or life may have some effects that make any past unsavory results pale by comparison. I am the first to admit I have been largely spared the consequences of the folly of my checkered past.  But have tasted enough bitter pills to remind me how blessed I am.  I do not want to waste the new opportunity God gives me every day. I hear you, Lord.