March 12, 2023

Suggested Readings:

Exodus 17:1-7

John 4:5-42

Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water —John 7:38

Human beings need food and water to survive. At least 60% of the adult body is made of water. A human being can survive without food for about three weeks but would typically only last three to four days without water.

The ancient Israelites were furious with Moses because they were suffering from thirst in the desert. They were in fact, so angry with Moses that he feared for his life (Exodus 17:2-4). God responded to their complaint by providing water to satiate their thirst. This is not the first time the people of Israel were angry over thirst. In Exodus 15:22-25, a scant three days after being led through the Red Sea on dry ground, the people found water, but it was brackish and could not be drunk. The Lord commanded Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water and it was immediately made sweet. In each case thirst was satisfied for only a brief time. They would be thirsty again soon.

When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman, he addressed her need for living, not physical water. The fourth chapter of John is replete with theological insight into the identity of Jesus and the nature of living a spirit-led life. The water that Jesus provides is spiritual nourishment which provides sustenance for our spiritual and emotional well-being.

As you read the text note the number of references you can find that describe the Spirit-filled life. For example, the gift of God is living water that gives eternal life, God is spirit and those who worship God must worship in spirit and truth. Ultimately, Jesus names himself as the Messiah. It is a profound chapter! One that requires reading and rereading to mine the depths of its theological treasures.

Before leaving this story of Jesus’ noonday conversation at the well, I would like to call your attention to two other points. First, the woman didn’t keep quiet about her experience with the stranger at the well. She ran back to the city and told everyone she met about her encounter with the man at Jacob’s well. “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (4:29).

Because of her witness many people came out to meet Jesus and he spent two days in the city of Sychar.

The second point I’d like you to ponder before we leave this story is the comment from the townsfolk after they met Jesus. It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world (4:42).

Our responsibility is to introduce people to the Savior of the world. One who has a genuine encounter with Jesus cannot possibly walk away the same person. An encounter with Jesus is transformational.

Prayer:

I’m thirsty God. I thirst for living water which wells up within me, satisfies my longings, and leads me to share the gift of life with everyone I encounter. My desire and fervent prayer are to worship and live in spirit and in truth. Amen.