Daily Scripture Reading: John 4:14 KJV
John 4:14 KJV
(14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Today’s Devotional Is THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
A woman woke up in Sychar, the tiny town that lies in the laps of Ebal and Gerizim, one morning, as the land was adorned with spring flowers. It was a day that would change not only her life but the lives of thousands. Her story would be etched in the history of the race and she would take her first step, which, according to tradition, would end in martyrdom.
Her nature was intense and passionate. Her well was full! The well was deep! She had tried to please her heart with human love but to no avail. Her character was gone and her neighbors wouldn’t tolerate her presence at an ancient well. She had no choice but to bring her pitcher with her to the well in the heat of the noon instead of in the cool afternoon when the women would come to get their water.
She did not lack religion. Jacob’s faith was an ancient tradition. He had lived near these hills for many years and had enjoyed it well. This ancestral religion was believed in by her. It had existed in its pure simplicity before the division between Jew and Samaritan. She had also listened to many discussions about the rival claims to the temples of Jerusalem and Gerizim. She believed in the long-awaited Messiah, who would one day appear and answer all questions. She was also tired and sick in the meantime. Her inner experience seemed to be reflected in her lonely visits to the well every day. She seemed to be saying, “Give me, Stranger, anything that will appease my soul-thirst and restore to me those years that the locust or cankerworm have ate.” I will then stop thirsting and go all the way to draw!
Aren’t they the kind of myriads? Some of my readers have drank from all the wells dug by humans and found them empty or brackish. They turned their backs on them all, uttering the old verdict: “Vanity is vanity, all is vanity.” My friend, is it so with you? It may be that the One who went out of His way to help this person is now near you, and waiting to tap into those hidden springs.
PRAYER for Today
O Christ, Who sat at Jacob’s well! Give me the water of life and Thy voice; let that spring which Thou spokest to the woman rise within my heart to eternal life. AMEN.