Today’s scripture: John 4: 1-30; 39-42 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tom Chittenden):
We are all “one”. Remove the barriers that have traditionally separated us from one another — language, ethnicity, skin color, socio-economic, gender, political, sexual orientation, religious, even geography — and one undisputed fact still remains:
All of us are here by the express intention of the Creator of the Universe!
As I sat in our sanctuary last evening (January 23) listening to Pastor Jeff share the Proposed 2007 Objectives for Jesus MCC with the church family, my heart filled with gratitude for the set of synchronistic events that led me to this place. You just cannot learn of the extraordinary things and opportunities that God has given and be unaffected in your heart and mind.
Somehow I just know that the abundant grace God has bestowed on Jesus MCC is directly related to our faithfulness to intentionally “be” our Vision Statement. Our mandate is simple to summarize — “a call to Love” — but it could be easy to lose focus and let prejudice and fear lead us to misunderstanding and a reluctance to listen with the heart.
May we never allow our response to Jesus’ commission to become specific or limited to people “like us.” Jesus was all about breaking down the human-made barriers that separated each from the other.
Others may look at you and me and regard us as 21st-century Samaritans. This is where the true test of our discipleship happens. This is when we will have that sacred moment in time, when we answer the question, “How is it you dare ask me to drink from your cup (fellowship),” or “Why should I think I would be welcome where you worship — I’m not like you?” Remember, it is Love that invites us to drink from the spring of living water welling up to everlasting life!
Thought and prayer for the day: God, I do not need to look far to find someone “like me” or “someone who is not.” Remind me that we are all One. Inspire me to Love as you Love — unconditionally!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.