She was empty, betrayed and
thirsty. Usually three strikes and you're out. She had five.
Jesus met her in a region respectable people avoided.
But then again, he wasn't into traditions. Tired from walking, he stops at a
well for rest and a drink of water. She comes at noon, probably because of her
reputation. It's not the normal time for drawing water, but it's a good time if
you want to avoid the gossiping, whispering, proper ladies.
Disregarding protocol, Jesus speaks to her and asks
for a drink. The woman is just as surprised as the disciples are to see him
doing it when they return. She's also horrified that he knows her reputation.
But it didn't matter. He was concerned about her future, not her past.
When Jesus informed the woman he had water to
perpetually quench her thirst, she was puzzled. "Sir," the woman said, "you have
nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?
(John 4:11) Turns out this thirst quenching water didn't come from a well after
all but in a relationship.
Nothing has changed. Life has a way of leaving us
feeling empty and betrayed. By friends, spouses, children, employers,
circumstances. So we try the water of another spouse, more friends, a different
job, another bank. The list is endless and we're left disappointed.
Life's circumstances can't always be changed but where
we look for fulfillment can. Ultimately it's not substances, relationships, or
things. It's by saying the same thing the woman did: Sir, give me this water so
that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here. Conquer negative feelings
and actions by inviting Jesus into your circumstances.
Prayer: Father in heaven, remind us only You can fill
our life's voids.
Martin Wiles
mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com
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