For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and agitated the water: whoever then first after the stirring of the water stepped in, was cured of whatever disease he had. Jn 5:4 (WBT)
and the sea was agitated by a strong wind blowing. Jn 6:18 (DBT)
Another connection I've not spotted before is a link between the stirring of the waters in John 5 (the healing at Bethesda) and the stirring of the waters in John 6 (where Jesus comes out to his disciples walking on the water.) The Greek word used is different, so the link is hard to spot, but the meaning of the two words is very similar: a stirring, a rousing, a troubling, an agitation.
I find it interesting, and very telling, that a troubling and an agitation can be both a concern (as it was to the disciples in the boat) and a source of blessing (as it was to the sick and disabled at Bethesda)
When we face our own times of troubling or agitation I think we can falsely divide the two. We see the things that happen to us as either good or bad, as either a source of trouble or a source of blessing. But often they are one and the same. The God who sent his angel to trouble the waters is the same God who sends his son to speak to them, "Peace be still."
There is peace and blessing with Jesus even in the midst of trouble and agitation!
[Originally posted on Facebook 20/01/18]
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