out of the ordinary | the waters

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. We're looking at all thing watery for a few days. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

Leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. John 4:28-30, NIV

Gosh. What can I say about the unnamed Samaritan woman Jesus meets at the well you won’t already have heard? This story is so important to our understanding of the desire of the Father to bring all peoples to himself it has been preached on many times.

We know the woman's background, social standing, gender, make no difference to Jesus’ love for her. We know she is uncomfortable with Jesus’s directness and insight and tries to deflect him. We know about her shame. We know she goes on to be an evangelist to her entire village. We know her testimony leads to many, many others coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus. We love the invitation of hers: "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did!"

So, today, let’s focus on the central meeting place, the thing that brings Jesus and the woman together in the most unlikely circumstances for the most unlikely conversation. Let’s think about the well.

We all have wells - places or activities where we go time and time again and meet people who don’t yet know Jesus. How can you use your wells as opportunities to talk about him? How can you hone your testimony so the moment someone asks you to tell them about your faith you have words of life to offer them? Pray for a providential meeting at your well today. What will you say when you get there?

Let's pray
Come with me to the well today, Jesus. Give me insight, encouraging words, and the gentle directness that comes from your love at work in me. Help me to help others know how much they are loved and valued by you today. In your precious name, Lord. Amen.