Devotions/Partners
John 4:39 (KJV): “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.”
COMMENTARY: One of my favorite passages of Scripture is John 4:1-42. A woman comes to Jacob’s well to get physical water, but instead she receives the living water of the Holy Spirit. After her encounter with Jesus, she leaves her water container at the well and races back to her nearby city of Sychar to tell her neighbors about Jesus. Her enthusiasm, sincerity, and credibility stir many to stop what they’re doing and go to Jacob’s well. Once they meet and hear Jesus, they persuade Him to stay and teach for two days. Many believed on Him because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony, and many more believed because of Jesus’ own words. The city of Sychar experienced an incredible spiritual revival.
APPLICATION: Never underestimate the “affluence of influence” the Lord has given you right where you are. Like the Samaritan woman, you may feel like you’re nameless. Like nobody cares whether you live or die, stay or leave. Like an insignificant person going about your mundane, routine daily chores, living and working in a relatively obscure town or city far away from where the action is. Perhaps you don’t feel that you have the credentials to share the Gospel with your boss, co-workers, customers and suppliers. Remember: God’s Will is for every believer to be a minister of reconciliation, not just pastors and missionaries. He gave you the gift of eternal life, the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the gift of the Word of God. That’s all you need to have a Godly impact.
As you faithfully and enthusiastically share your personal testimony, as you point others to Christ, and as they hear His Word preached and taught, incredible spiritual revival can break out right where you live and work. It happened in Sychar, and it can happen where you are, too.
Remember: Jesus wasn’t born in Jerusalem, but in the small town of Bethlehem. Stay rooted in Christ and bloom where you’re planted! The Lord has a wonderful way of turning humble beginnings into huge blessings.
Joyfully yours,
Drew
For Further Exploration
For further exploration about Matthew 23:25, 28 (KJV), read Living in the New Kingdom (Matthew 18-25) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.