Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 14: Year 2
Psalm 105; Judges 14:1-19; Acts 6:15-7:16; John 4:27-42
“They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
Yes true, but they would not have even known that the Savior of the world was near if it had not been for this unnamed woman coming to them with this valuable information. Once again, the most valuable information a community could have is delivered by a woman. And in this case, perhaps not a woman the village is proud of, or has shown any degree of love and respect.
She comes to the well at noonday, the hottest part of the day. She avoids others and their judgmental attitudes. Maybe she has not made the best of her life. Then again, maybe she played the cards that she was dealt in life the best she could. She has had several husbands, which does not escape Jesus, but yet he loves her, and offers her the full life of living waters. Our Lord Jesus can, and does, use anybody to bring messages of hope. Even if we give up on ourselves, Our Lord Jesus does not give up on us.
This is where we are today. As a preacher, it has been my privilege and honor to inform people that God, in Christ Jesus, is near. And that God loves you no matter how many mistakes you have made or what others think of you. Do not believe because I said so. Believe this because you have heard for yourselves and have seen little glimmers of grace in your own life. Thank You Lord Jesus.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John
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