Scripture:
John 4:27-30 ESV
[27] Just then, his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” [28] So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, [29] “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” [30] They went out of the town and were coming to him.
Observation:
A trip through a well-known area that any good Jewish rabbi would have avoided, in fear of coming into contact with Samaritan. Jesus took the more direct path right through Samaria. He had a Devine appointment with a woman at a well. The conversation went on for a few short moments, but the impression that was made changed this woman’s life. As soon as the disciples came back and saw HIM talking to her, the conversation came to an end, but the change in her life did not. Going back into town, she couldn’t help but tell others what had just happened. “You have to meet HIM.” She said to them. I have never met anyone like HIM. HE told me all about myself, and I didn’t have to explain anything. Over and over in the bible, we can see how an encounter with Jesus changed the life of the one HE came into contact with, and how there was honestly no way for them not to say something. Even when HE said don’t tell anyone, they just couldn’t help it. The truth had to be heard.
Application:
Pastor Chad brought up a prayer from Acts chapter 4 yesterday in church, and I loved it. I had read it before, but the reminder was just at the right time. Because GOD has laid it on my heart, it’s time to start setting up speaking arrangements, and boldness will be needed. But the fact is when Jesus has changed a life, you can’t help but tell others about it. I remember the day like it was yesterday. Sitting in the back of the church… waiting for all those “CHIRCH PEOPLE” to judge me… they didn’t… but that didn’t keep me from waiting for it. The pastor was preaching right to my heart. It was as if he had walked lockstep with me for the past 20 years and was recounting it in a 1 hr sermon. I knew that if I did not give my life to Christ that day, I may never get another opportunity. That day was 14 years ago, and my life has not been the same since. Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying I have not sinned since. But I have not been the same. Sin hurts my heart now. When I step outside of GOD’S, will I know it, and it stings? So I have to correct it. I don’t have to say this because I believe my life is evidence of it. However, I believe it also must be said… Jesus Christ has changed my life, and I am eternally grateful.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for that day and thank you for your grace and mercy as you continue to shape us to be conformed to the image of your son. Help us to learn the easy why. We are so tired of all the scars and pain that come along with doing things our way. Give us a boldness to speak the truth of what happened to us and protect us from ourselves. You have written a story about our lives that needs to be told. Open up doors so it can be. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.