In many ways this is an echo of JB. But, I can't get past the basic issue - Barriers.
He's Jewish, She's a Samaritan.
He's a man. She's a woman.
He is living a righteous life, by Jewish law. She's ... Well she's no where relationally.
It amazes me, how often Jesus just blows through human barriers. She's fixating on physical issues, water, mountains etc. He is trying to cut deeper. Spiritual drink. Worshipping a spiritual Father who is not bound by location or race. Her own relationships...
Most of the barriers in life are human creations. How often do we hear; "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!". As if that was a clincher to an argument! Where Jesus is concerned, if it is a human barrier, He goes straight through it. He doesn't let anything get in the way of relationship.
It is fascinating when you read history to realize how many leaders have to do the same...
President Obama - Race
Martin Luther - Control of Rome
Jesus - A Samaritan Woman
How many barriers do we let control us I wonder? How many should we be walking straight through...
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
5 comments:
True - the fear of what people will think instead of the fear of what God thinks....
I love how Jesus get's a word from the Father and uses it to open up the conversation towards God. I think that this is such a simple yet powerful tool that can generate instant connection and credibility. This is something that I am praying that God might help me to tune in to him and trust me with his supernatural insight as a key to unlock hearts.
I agree with you Rosaleen: the fear of what people may think... or what we think they may think, is a HUGE barrier to many of us. Jesus was not interested in what people may have thought of him spending "one-on-one" time with a Samaritan hussy (to use JB's lingo). His only concern was to do the will of his Father (v 34). May his concern become our concern as we pursue intimacy with the Father as well!!
I am praying with you Garry that we both may receive words from the Father which helps to "unlock" people's hearts.
My final comment on John 4: "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest." v 35. Maybe as we continue to seek God's kingdom above all else, the fear barrier will continue to slide away and we also will receive spiritual insights for people like the Samaritan woman and realize that the harvest is more ripe than we think.
I am learning that the harvest field is RIGHT HERE, and not necessarily over there. A servant heart is all the 'harvester' needs; mine is taking a longer time than most to develop!
On what people might thik if we talk about Jesus, I hear people here at work go on about thier stars or yoga, or any number of new age activities without a hint of embarrassment or concern about what people might think.
When anybody pulls me up when I quote the Bible of profess a Christian point of view, I merely point to the "Nova" magazine on the tea-room table! We are actually living in a 'spiritually' (in a general sense) alive time, and we might find people more receptive to the Gospel than we think.
On a more personal note, I was wondering if you could all pray for my wife; we have been in A&E all night when her Lupis (SLE) flared-up. Helen was a very sick girl for a while there, and while she is doing much better, I would appreciate your prayerful support for her (us).
Thanks for your insights and encouragement JB. I am praying for you and your wife right now. AK
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