LOVE, THE LIVING WATER
The woman goes back to her own community to share her experience of Jesus. And later, Jesus comes to the Samariatan community, and they all have the joy of knowing him. Boundaries have been broken and bridged. What new life will emerge from their encounter with the Jew, Jesus? What new life will emerge from Jesus’ witness to his own disciples about speaking to a Samaritan (and a woman no less)?
But the point is, the woman has experienced the transformative power of love. The living water of God’s grace has washed over her, and now she goes forth to bless others. To bring life to them. Her personal encounter with God, with being filled to the brim, enables her to share life and hope and strength with others, as it has been shared with her.
We are all thirsty people. Thirsty to be known and loved for who we are. We are promised grace sufficient for our need, living water for our deepest thirsts. But we need to turn on the tap – to open ourselves to God, to those we encounter along our way, to prayer and worship. Perhaps water is as good a metaphor as any for the abundance of God’s grace all around us. When you find yourself parched, when you are longing for refreshment, know God’s love flows as freely through our lives as water from the tap, just waiting to be reached for. As you are quenched, consider who it is God is calling you to bless.
(This inspiration was adapted from Rev. Jane’s sermon notes.)
