[07/23/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
In John chapter 4 we read as Jesus was going from Judea to Galilee, “he had to pass through Samaria.” (vs.4) I believe the path of His journey was intentional. And perhaps for good reason the disciples went into the town to buy food (vs.8) while He sat alone at the well. (vs.6) When the Samaritan woman came to draw, she was surprised that Jesus, being a Jew, would ask her for a drink. (vs.9) Jesus responded that if she knew Who He was, she would have asked of Him and He would have given her living water. (vs.10) We know how the conversation continued moving from a focus on the physical to the spiritual and to her ultimate acceptance of Jesus being the Messiah. A remarkable encounter which led to her going with the message, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (John 4:29 ESV) and many went out to Him and ultimately believed as well. (John 4:30 & 39-44)
Recently I saw a post which read: ““It wasn’t the water He came for, it was me.” — Woman at the well.”
Think about that. What became the significant aspect of this encounter? It was something greater than the water because the woman even ended up leaving her water jar there. (vs.28) Though Jesus had been weary from the journey, and assuredly thirsty, it was the human encounter that was the most significant thing which took place.
Do we want to be like Jesus? What about our own encounters as we go through the day-to-day routines of life? What if our shopping was not so much about buying food or other necessities, but rather about others and the potential impact the encounter can have even beyond the moment, though that be perhaps only fully known by God at the time? What if we went with the higher focus of souls rather than just stuff?
My wife and I do not like to use the self-service checkouts many stores provide even if we only have a few items. We want the opportunity for human interaction whether it be with the employees or others in the checkout line. Because of the kind of interaction we have had in our community and getting to know the clerks and employees of stores, we have experienced the opportunity for accepting prayer requests and for offering encouragement. It is not about getting in and out quickly, but rather treasuring the opportunity to engage and show genuine interest in others.
What if we left someone at the store thinking, “It wasn’t about the groceries, it was about me.”? We might not know the full extent to which our interactions could lead, but without those moments nothing significant other than meeting our own needs will be accomplished May we remain mindful of simply living life to be the salt and light God has called us to be (Matthew 5:13-16) as we go through the varied activities of each day!
Have a great day KEEPING OUR FOCUS ABOUT OTHERS!
Carl
