Going to the Well

When do you go to the well?

John 4:4-42 is one of my favorite passages in the bible, especially to teach from when I go to Ghana West Africa.  I think there is a lot in this passage that the ladies I speak with can relate to and I want them to make the connection that Jesus see's them, knows them and has come to free them from their sin.

In this passage the woman that comes to the Well to get her water for the day has waited until the hottest part of the day to complete this chore.  The question becomes why did she wait until that time of the day and as the story unfolds the answer becomes clear.  This woman has a sinful past and is currently living in sin and is filled with shame and regret.  She comes at this time of the day so that she does not face the judgments and ridicule of the people in her community.  She comes to the Well at this time of day because she expects to be alone and therefore she doesn't have to face the consequences of her sinful life.  Although, in fact, she is facing the consequences of her sinful life because she is isolated from being an active part of her community out of fear and rejection.

What this woman did not expect was for a Jewish Rabbi to be setting at the Well and she certainly didn't expect him to speak to her or even acknowledge her existence.  She was completely caught off guard when he spoke to her and asked for her cup of water.

And as we go along in the story we find that not only is he a Jewish Rabbi but He speaks with authority and he shares the truth of who she is and then he shares the truth of who he is...the Messiah.  I can say with certainty that she defiantly didn't expect to meet the Messiah on this day.  But I can also say, that Jesus expected to meet this woman and he expected to meet her deepest need, which was grace, mercy, forgiveness and restoration and what she got on this day was her Savior & Lord.

So this is where I want to land.  I don't know what time of day you think you can go the Well.  I don't know if you are living with shame, regret, disgrace, isolation....but can I just remind you that when you go to the One who is the living water, when you draw from his Well, when you allow Him to speak directly into your heart and reveal any sin that is causing you this pain and separation....He can bring springs of living water up out of your soul, He can bring the healing you need for the sins that haunt your past, present and future....he can give you the grace, mercy, forgiveness, and restoration you need. 

He is waiting there for you and me.  He see's us, knows us and desires to free us from our sin and bondage and give us a new life.  You give him your old bucket full of pride, anger, regret, shame and disgrace and let him fill up your new bucket with the fruits of His Spirit.  Go to the Well today to meet with your Savior and be refreshed.