MUSINGS ON THE BOOK OF JOHN
to the ends of the earth. By reaching the least of these, Jesus reached a city, a nation, the world. He did not go to the leaders, to the rich, but to those whose hearts were most needy and ready to receive Him. n
Where do I go with the message of the Spirit and of truth?
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Am I walking and living by the Spirit and by truth?
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Am I focused on Jesus, on THE FATHER, and do I worship Him in and with my spirit? Aware of truth?
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Am I focused on my sinfulness contrasted to His holiness, thus humble in my questions to Him with a heart of praise? A heart to obey? A heart to spread joy?
Lord, let me learn the lessons from, to, and for a prostitute, from, to, and for an abused woman, and from, to, and for a sinner. Am I worshiping in spirit to the Holy Spirit and in truth? Jesus revealed Himself first to the religious leader who sought truth—Nicodemus, and now, for the second time, He reveals Himself, this time to the Samaritan woman. His next reveal is to the ends of the earth, just as we are commissioned at His ascension. Jesus’ disciples return and “marvel” at seeing Him talking to such a person. Yet they do not question it; they instead accept it as a new lesson, a moment such as we might have when we are confronted with His example and respond with the amazed thought, You mean in this too, Lord? Wow, I never would have guessed!
JESUS GIVES US AN EXAMPLE
W h a t better way
OF HOW WE ARE TO WALK.
What better way did Jesus have to reach the sinners in need in this town than through the woman they all knew so well? What better voice of hope than the one of their mutual abuses? They came, believing something must be true, not sure what, but knowing that if SHE, of all people, had hope, there was hope for them also. It was the authority of Jesus that changed their hearts. Jesus met one strategic God-ordained opportunity, and the town was reached.
How to Do My Part n
Do I seek Jesus as these Samaritans did?
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Do I accept His forgiveness to the depth of sin in the crevasses of my soul and memories?
Let me turn my all to Him, consistently trusting His love and mercy to forgive and set me free for His purpose. Let me do my small part to bring all humanity to the saving knowledge of Jesus. The greatest thing I can do is to bring others into His presence, where He will work in their hearts. Jesus saves. I serve Him. All praise, glory, and honor to my King!
Connie Hecker, MFA, is a Scenic Designer recently retired from teaching at Liberty University. She is mom, stepmom, and grandmother. Her “first career” was in interior and industrial design. Her “second” was as Manager of Operations and Maneuvers (note initials) in her extended family. Her “third” was as a professor. Now, she is looking forward to what God has in store as her “fourth”.
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