Scripture:
John 4:9-10(NIV)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
Jesus Initiates dialogue
When my daughter comes home from school, my wife always asks her, "How was your day?" Then, my daughter answers like “Fun, fun, fun!” or many different answers come out of her little mouth. One simple question opens the door to a lively conversation, where my daughter shares everything from what she learned in class to what she had for lunch.
In today's passage, we see Jesus initiating a conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks the Samaritan woman like “How are you with your soul?” Then, the woman begins to converse with the Lord, touching on topics ranging from the social tensions between Jews and Samaritans to the challenges she faces in coming to the well alone every day at noon. Jesus' request – “Give me a drink (v.7)” leads to a profound and significant conversation.
Sisters and brothers, Jesus initiates dialogue.
In. ch.5, Jesus initiates a dialogue with the sick at the pool once again; Jesus initiates a miracle to feed the hungry crowds in ch.6; Jesus initiates forgiveness for the woman caught in adultery in ch. 8; Jesus initiates a healing for the blind in ch. 9. Our Lord Jesus is always present, actively engaging with His people. I believe that the same Lord is here with us, ready to initiate dialogue with each of us.
Philip Yancey in his book, “What’s So Amazing About Grace,” reminds us that “Grace is everywhere.” Actually, John Wesley explained this many years ago with the term, “Prevenient Grace.” Prevenient Grace means that divine love and grace surround everyone all of the time. In other words, God is the One who actively seeks us in order to offer us His grace.
Sisters and brothers, do we take the time to listen to the voice of the Lord who initiates a dialogue with us? Because of His grace, which actively seeks His children, we can still experience God’s guidance and loving care in this challenging time. It is true that grace is everywhere for every one of us. Let us open our hearts and fully embrace God's loving voice. May we take a moment to listen to Him, who actively calls our name and desires to have a conversation with us.
As your pastor, I pray that you can take a moment to open yourself and fully immerse yourself in God’s embracing voice. Let us open our hearts and fully embrace God's loving voice. May we take a moment to listen to Him, who actively calls our name and desires to have a conversation with us.
Reflection Written by Rev. Sean Lee
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for always initiating dialogue with us, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman. Help us to listen to your voice and fully immerse ourselves in your loving presence. Guide us to hear and respond to your call.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, spend some time in prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up our youth group director, Ms. Deedee and the Youth teachers. Please continue to pray for our youth group students as well.
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer by Andrea Bocelli