Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Today's text

John 4:5-10

On the way he came to the Samaritan town called Sychar near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Give me something to drink.' His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew. How is it that you ask me, a Samaritan, for something to drink?' - Jews, of course, do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus replied to her: If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me something to drink,' you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water.

Prayer

It is you who ask to drink, Jesus. But in asking a divine offer is made. You ask for water, but your request is not for this nectar of life but that you may give the drink you bear: living water.

You give that water that bubbles and flows from ancient cataracts of soul that our lives not wither like husks in the heat of the day.

And we? We bring our mid-winter weariness to your well. It is not heat that wears us down but winter’s long grayness and our incessant labors. We are bone cold and crave rest, wanting to sit with you by the well as you talk to the woman … and us.

We want just to be with you, listening to your voice and to feel the life you are bubbling up again, living water that fills the soul with joy and the arm with purpose.

So let us sit with you this day, if only for a moment or two, so we can hear your voice, “Give me a drink.” For that voice is your own within our own, inviting us to the life you intend for us. The living water you delight to give.

Pr. David L. Miller