God Notions

John 4

The Samaritan woman at the well is known for having many husbands and Jesus calling her out on it. She is never named or described. I wonder if she had made choices that led her down a path of loneliness and gossip. Or did life’s circumstances knock her to her knees, and she lived each day making the best life she could for herself and her family.

She goes to the well in the heat of the day so she won’t have to see the other women, who, I assume, by all social standards, have their lives together. I do not believe this Samaritan woman at the well is naive. I imagine her to be strong and maybe lonely. I get a sense she has an emptiness within her.

I can understand how the Samaritan woman wanted to change the subject when Christ pinpointed her sin. Who wants a light shone on their transgressions, poor choices, or lack of wisdom?

Facing the fact, I have made unwise choices that have led to regrets and circumstances I cannot change is hurtful, almost unbearable at times. I have felt stupid, used, and angry for some of my past choices. But, Jesus, who knows all that is hidden deep in the well of my heart, draws it out and places it before me in the noon daylight. He knows what I try to hide or justify, and He will have none of it.

I had listened to others. I had followed my own heart’s desire. I listened to everyone except to the One who loves me more, Jesus. I didn’t give time for His answer, or maybe I didn’t like the answer; I don’t know how, or why it is, that I stopped listening to Him precisely, or why I allowed myself to walk off the better path, but I did. 

Then Jesus waits patiently for me. He doesn’t condemn me, but he does show me my sin. He shows us our sin to bring us up out of the emptiness of our lives. To free us from the heavy burden of regret and fill us with a refreshing, soul-quenching, everlasting, abundant life.

Christ will restore new life and hope when we feel used up, empty, and hopeless.

The Samaritan woman came to the well that day, hiding from others as well as herself. Christ showed her compassion with the purpose of redemption. Jesus redeems us not only to be of value in our community but also for His glory and His Kingdom. 

What a kind, compassionate, gentle God we serve