The woman who met Jesus at Jacob’s well also found a way to lead the rest of her community to what she had found—living water (John 4:10). They were drawn to discover why this woman with five ex-husbands and a current live-in was saying, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did” (v.29).
As the crowd was on its way, the One who on other occasions had called Himself “the bread of life” (6:48) was telling His disciples that His food was found in doing the will of God (4:32,34).
Jesus is living water and food for our soul. Joining Him to do the will of God and finish the work He has given us to do is the ultimate source of nourishment.
After reading this, I feel a little (a tad) better about my current obsession. Living on Jesus as my bread and butter and water makes things far less complicated. My mind has been going through endless cycles of color. Today and Wal-Mart, I looked at paint samples and rugs and curtains... I found some great stuff to help my process. But I can't get my mind off it. All the possibilities are so fun to think about and I want to get them just right. I know I'll have to make decisions soon (if we get the house - we'll find out tonight) about carpet and countertops, etc. And I want to be sure of which direction we'd like to go. Problem is, I keep thinking this is all up to me. I forget that if it means a hill of beans, God can help! My bible reading today (yes, I have been doing this!) was the very beginning of the building of the temple. God does care about design. He had very specific plans for the Ark, the Tabernacle, and the Temple. He even had the embroidery designs and sculpture specified! Does God care about how my house looks? Sure! Why not? It may not be as important as a building for His Presence, but in a way, it IS. Because we're all temples of the Holy Spirit, where we dwell should be a sacred sanctuary, set apart for ministry (both within our family and without). Our homes will not be nearly as nice as our heavenly house, but they are a shadow of what's to come. I believe a home should both remind us that we are longing for the imperishable (no dusting or dishes in Heaven?) and be a little slice of Heaven on earth (a place to show friends and angels loving hospitality)."Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master God! What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master God, just as I am. You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are—out of your very heart!—but you've let me in on it.
"This is what makes you so great, Master God! There is none like you, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears. And who is like your people, like Israel, a nation unique in the earth, whom God set out to redeem for himself (and became most famous for it), performing great and fearsome acts, throwing out nations and their gods left and right as you saved your people from Egypt? You established for yourself a people—your very own Israel!—your people permanently. And you, God, became their God.
"So now, great God, this word that you have spoken to me and my family, guarantee it permanently! Do exactly what you've promised! Then your reputation will flourish always as people exclaim, 'The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is God over Israel!' And the house of your servant Laura will remain sure and solid in your watchful presence. For you, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God, told me plainly, 'I will build you a house.' That's how I was able to find the courage to pray this prayer to you.
"And now, Master God, being the God you are, speaking sure words as you do, and having just said this wonderful thing to me, please, just one more thing: Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You've already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!" (modified version of 2 Sam 7:18-29 The Message)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10
I'm a Mary Martha, Father. When it's just me and You and the people I'm comfortable with, I'm Mary. When it's me trying to host or be congenial, I'm Martha. Help me choose the better thing. Spur me to desire spending time with You above picking out paint colors. Give me a bigger sense of excitement learning about You than imagining all the possibilities that could go into a house. You are SO MUCH MORE than a house. You are not a guest in our house - it's YOURS. The wondrous thing about blessings is that when they are received as they should be, they are immediately given back to You. If we get this house, it's Yours, Lord. I choose not to make it an idol. I am so sorry if it has been up to now. I claim You alone. If I try to take anything else with me (clothes, money, etc), make it obvious that I am clinging to smoke when I could be holding onto TRUTH. You give and You take away. May Your Name be blessed! My life and my happiness does not depend on my stuff. Thank You Jesus for that!
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