Evangelism
This scripture is embedded in a context where Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water from a well. Breaking all social and cultural taboos, Jesus conversed with this woman and revealed Himself to her as the Messiah, God's Anointed One, who had come to quench her spiritual dryness and satisfy her deepest longings. As a result of her testimony, many people from her town put their faith in Jesus, and He stayed on for two days to minister to them (John 4:39-41).
On the surface, this was one of the least likely places for revival to break out. Jews and Samaritans had despised each other for hundreds of years, so why would these Samaritans believe anything that Jesus had to say to them? Besides, the Samaritans already had their own religion, a mishmash of Judaism and paganism, so they didn't seem to be actively searching for a new faith. Maybe we feel the same about where we live - that very few people are genuinely seeking God? Yet, Jesus says in this very passage, "Open your eyes and take a good look at what is right front of you - the fields are gleaming white, all ready to be harvested right now!"
Are we eager to see what God sees? Do we see a generation rising up to take their place with selfless faith? Do we see the near revival stirring as we pray and seek whilst on our knees? Are we crying, "Hosanna - please save us, Lord"?
I have what you need but you keep on searching
I've done all the work but you keep on working
When you're running on empty and you can't find the remedy
Just come to the well
You can spend your whole life chasing what's missing
But that empty inside it just ain't gonna listen
When nothing can satisfy and the world leaves you high and dry
Just come to the well
So bring me your heart no matter how broken
Just come as you are when your last prayer is spoken
Just rest in my arms a while you'll feel the change my child
When you come to the well
And now that you're full of love beyond measure
Your joy's gonna flow Like a stream in the desert
Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me
Cuz you came to the well
And all who thirst will thirst no more
And all who search will find what their souls long for
The world will try, but it can never fill
So leave it all behind, and come to the well
(Casting Crowns)
Prayer
"Lord God, You are the only One who can satisfy our deepest longings. Thank You that you provide a well for us which is deep enough to quench our parched souls. Thank You that You are the water of life, the fountain of life, which springs up within us and overflows from us, reaching out to all those who are desperate for a draught of Your love and mercy. Please enable us to be conduits of Your saving grace. For Jesus' sake. Amen!"
