Jesus is a strong warrior. He breaks down walls. If you have read the Gospel of John or perhaps seen The Chosen, you have some understanding of how Jesus broke through the barrier and the bricks crumbled through the Samaritan woman’s soul. First, Jesus stepped through cultureral barriers by willingly speaking to a Samaritan, who were a people group the Jewish people didn’t associate with at all. Secondly, Jesus stepped across the accepted boundries and spoke to a woman He wasn’t acquainted with. Thirdly, He demonstrated His divinity in a loving and nonjudgemental manner, as He spoke things only He could know.
This has become the model for Christians to share the Gospel in a loving manner, while stating the truth. Yet isn’t interesting that within that framework, Jesus can make much for us to ponder and mediate on through the Holy Spirit.
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Do you think about this? Jesus explicitly states the kind of worship the Father expects and wants-true worship. True worship given through the Spirit and done in truth and full honesty. Walls in our heart come done, layers of hypocrisy are stripped away, and sand castles of mediocrity are stormed away! All when done in complete truth to the Father but in the Spirit.
Do you have this New Year! How about trying not to accomplish in yourself? How about working in the Spirit to worship God the Father and HIs son Jesus, and do God’s will for your life. Let the Spirit work in you to accomplish the things you have been called to do.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
Take note that Paul states we are not saved by anything we can do, but only through grace from God. But many people forget that last segment. Yes, we have been saved by grace, but God created us intentionally. As a potter thinks about his creation ahead of time, so God know our potential and has a plan for us. Not only is there a plan that He has prepared, but He wants us to follow His leading and listen to HIm. Are you listening?
Right on, Chef Wayne!
Blessings in your ministry in Dearborn my friend.
WOW, AMEN, it is such an insightful message and with a great lesson to learn. May God continue using you in His service
Blessings in your ministry in Africa my friend.