Thirsty?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
Have you ever wished for a personal conversation with the Lord? Not like the kind we have in prayer….that can be fairly one-sided; but a real sit-down complete with Q & A? What would you ask? What do you want to know; and more over, what do you really need to hear?
Apart from the time Jesus spent in the desert with the devil, He is almost never alone. From the time He leaves home, He’s got the Twelve and the unnumbered disciples, both male and female who believe what He’s telling them and following Him as their teacher.
There are crowds everywhere He goes. Even indoors, people sit at His feet or cut holes in the ceiling to get near Him. A quiet conversation seems out of the question. They listen to his teaching and want Him for healing.
One person had that opportunity: a Samaritan woman (John 4). The disciples are away on an errand. It’s noon in the desert. No one’s around. It’s the chance of a lifetime. But it’s not what this woman is after. She’s already ostracized by the community (why would she come in the heat of the day by herself for water?) and too much disappointment in her life. She would just as soon leave her bucket and go home than have to deal with this Jew.
It’s not only that He’s a Jew or a man….it’s also the politics. She’s a Samaritan and everyone knows the Jews and Samaritans simply don’t get along (John 4:9; cf. Acts 10:28). In fact they are almost enemies. What would be the point of talking with Him anyway?
Thirst is the point. A thirst to be seen for who she is….to be treated like a person of understanding and significance. To be talked to like an equal, with no regard for sex or religion.
This Samaritan woman heard the truth about herself, and did not die of shame for it. She already knew in her own heart….but then she heard the truth about her life from this Jew.
The Lord, the Promised One actually spoke with her! She ran to tell others. She became an apostle of the Good News.
God is listening, hearing, understanding. He is providing salvation for you and all of us (John 3:16-17).
Thirsty?
—Barbara Hyland, guest writer