Thursday, October 14, 2010

A Sight Offense - October 14, 2010

Good Thursday morning! We have much to celebrate this morning with an especial gratitude for the rescue of the trapped miners in Chile. All of them are now up on the surface and recovering from their ordeal; praise God for His mercy! Try not to think too hard about what it would be like deep underground for more than two months. I don't think that I could stand to be locked in my basement for two months, and it has windows!

Today, Jesus has arrived at the well near Sychar, worn out from his long walk.

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." John 4:7

As we covered yesterday, this just doesn't seem like a big deal to us. However, it wasn't but 50 years ago that separated, they were called segregated, drinking fountains and bathrooms existed in many parts of the nation. No doubt there were many children raised in both Samaria and Israel that had to learn about the racial hatred that existed at the time Jesus arrived at that well. We will go on about this while Jesus visits with the woman at the well, as we have come to know the story. Today's verse doesn't give a hint that anything is wrong. Actually, many folks today would take up the issue of Jesus getting his own drink before they would realize that a racial issue existed. We seem to have a different axe to grind these days, but conflict is still right where we left it; in the old sinful nature we inherited from Adam. Seeking the kingdom of God has always been the more difficult road; seeking conflict or a good old fashioned argument in this world is all too easy. I'm writing about conflict and the verse gives no indication of any conflict to come!

Jesus does nothing but sit down to rest his weary bones and utter a polite request for a drink. Of course, that's how many conflicts begin. We are often told that it takes two to start a fight, but that isn't always true. In life, a person can choose to take offense simply over our mere presence, or race, or how we are dressed, or many other things. Not a few men have wandered into a tavern and found themselves giving offense through nothing but their look, manner of speaking, or polite request. Jesus warns us that our presence will often offend the world; His name will offend the world, and His light shining through all Christians will offend the world. We cannot help but offend in some cases. Will the woman at the well be offended by Jesus? After all, the Jews, especially the leaders, have already been offended by the words and actions of Jesus. Surely this woman of the despised Samaritans will be offended just by the sight of him! We'll read on tomorrow.

Have a wonderful Thursday! Only about six weeks until Thanksgiving! Now was that really necessary? The year seems short enough as it is.

Bucky

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