A Holy Have-To

Daily Reading: John 4

He had to pass through Samaria… Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. (John 4.4, 35)

Devotional Thought: Jesus was always aware of the need around him for the Good News.  This is quite evident in the fourth chapter of John, our reading for today.  Verse 4 says that Jesus “had to” pass through Samaria.  This was because of two possible reasons: 1) It was the most direct route.  But, some conservative Jews refused to travel through Samaria because it was “unclean” and sinful.  2) Jesus felt compelled to travel there for purposes of the Kingdom.  I think they were both probably in play.

On that trip, Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman, and revealed himself to her and the townspeople as the Messiah.  Pretty astonishing in light of the fact that he hadn’t directly told the Jewish people yet!  As a matter of fact, he was working hard to keep his identity a secret so as not to disrupt the Father’s plan for his ministry.  The response from the Samaritans was immediate and impressive.  They believed on Jesus!  That’s why Jesus felt compelled to go through Samaria.  The fields were ripe unto harvest.

All around us, every day, the fields are ripe unto harvest.  We always come up with excuses for not inviting our friends to church or sharing with them our testimony.  But Jesus says that we don’t need to wait!  Right now somebody, somewhere is waiting to hear your testimony and have you pray for them and with them.  The question is are we compelled to do it?  Is there a "holy have to” in our hearts?  Pray to God that that spirit would grip you.  Be sensitive to the leading of God and open your eyes.  Then go and tell the Good News with confidence!

Prayer: Lord, as Paul said, "The love of Christ constrains me."  I feel the weight of your love in my soul - your love for me and your love for others.  I present myself to be an instrument of your love today.  Use me for your glory and the good of others.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 34.1-7

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.