One of the reasons I began to explore writing a blog (18 years ago) was because I realized that I couldn't "fit" all my thoughts and research into a 20-minute timeframe on a Sunday. I also wanted to allow the scripture passages to live with me longer than one day. And so, what I started out doing was drip-feeding my soul with scriptures, quotes and ideas that I hoped would help me to digest the essence of the Sunday theme.
I have not always followed this initial vision, but I would like to do more of that this week. I have really enjoyed taking time to ponder the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4) and it amazes me how much we still need to learn from this story, especially focusing on the actions of Jesus.
In an age of blatant hatred, unkindness, sectarianism, racism and all sorts of division, Jesus shows us what His Kingdom is truly about. Jesus crosses multiple barriers to share God's love and grace with a woman who was ostracized and written off by many. It is little wonder that she was astonished at his kindness and willingness to engage with her.
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then
Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
27 Just
then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a
woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
28 Then,
leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,
29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the
Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
Thought: The woman was not oblivious to what names people were calling her. She expected Jesus to treat her in the same way, but he did not. In order to bring her back to God, Jesus didn't need to shame her - he only needed to show her that she was 'seen and loved.' This was the catalyst to her conversion.
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Isaiah 55:1–3 — “Come, all you who are
thirsty, come to the waters…”
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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