260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 72 - Chapter 4: Jesus - Living Water

The accounts in this chapter again point to Jesus being the Christ (26).

Jesus’ run in with the Samaritan woman at the well requires a bit of context. First, Jews did not associate with “half-breed” Samaritans, and a woman at that. Second, women would come twice a day (morning & evening) to get water. Her coming at noon is out of place, maybe to avoid those who knew her reputation. BUT because Jesus is the ultimate transformer & none of these things were the biggest issue to Him, He asked her for a drink. She is taken back that He would even come to her & then He offers her “living water.” Notice the next exchange: "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." Jesus then begins to tell her about her life. I’ve always assumed that this shows the all-knowing power of Jesus (which is certainly a possibility), but maybe Jesus had a heightened sense of observation? Just a thought. Regardless, her sinful lifestyle is exposed, the need for a forgiving Messiah is shown and Jesus reveals His identity: “The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." The result? Tons of people believe in Jesus! And we are reminded to open our spiritual eyes because many more (the harvest) are ready to believe!

The chapter concludes with Jesus’ second miracle in Cana. Jesus’ response to those who had heard about the water into wine thing He did, showed they were not interested in WHO Jesus was but just wanted His miracles: “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." But in His great mercy and love, Jesus, just by speaking, heals this man’s son, resulting in his whole house believing!

SO WHAT?!
*When Jesus went up to the Samaritan woman at the well, He made a powerful statement: Neither race, nor economics, nor social status, etc… can separate us from the love of God in Jesus! We are called to reach out to ALL types & kinds of peeps. So……who is it hardest for you to reach out to for Christ? Do this – commit them to daily prayer over the next 30 days and see if God works on your heart!
*Water represents life. Without it, you and I will die. When Jesus offers Himself as living water, He is stating that without Him we will die spiritually. What do you thirst for? Anything you & I thirst for more than Jesus will leave us parched. Lord, give us a deep thirst for You above all other things!
*Lord, let us never forget that YOU ARE THE MESSIAH, THE CHRIST!