John 4:9-10

Tuesday, March 14
Wendy Will

The Samaritan woman said to him,
“You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman.
How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, 
“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked
him and he would have given you living water.”

The Bible, the word of God, always seems to meet me in my need. Being assigned John 4:9,10 to focus on today had me reading and rereading the verses. It is an exchange between Jesus and a woman from Samaria. Different translations offered more insights into the words and meanings. The Message offered me a phrase that spoke to me and touched my heart. Jesus speaks about “the generosity of God”. 

Lent is a time to think about the love that God pours out through Jesus on the cross in death, the defeat of death, sin, and the resurrection. Oh, the generosity of God!

God shows that generosity in the little life adventures as well as the gift of salvation. Last week mu husband Corwin, and I had the blessing of watching two granddaughters, ages 4 and 6, while their parents had a getaway. The girls would especially miss their parents right before bedtime. We would close the day with a time together, reading a short devotion, discussion and prayer time. Talking about God’s love, themes of friendship, family and the day’s experiences were times we all looked forward to sharing. Closing with prayers of thanks and the Lord’s Prayer became a ritual that we enjoyed. But, more than that, the girls shared the generosity that is in their lives. They were counting the blessings that came from their loving God. Sleep came easily and swiftly for their focus was on God’s gracious gifts.

God is persistent and wants to break through to our hearts. In verse 10 Jesus speaks about giving us fresh, living water. What do I thirst for? Where do I search? God is the one who offers fresh, living water. Continuing the habit of closing my day with words from God and the naming of blessings is an addition to my Lenten journey. I pray, like the little girls, to thirst for God and God’s peace. 

God, your generosity is limitless. Refresh me every day with your living water so I may reflect your light and love to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.