03-06-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 5, 2021
Scripture: John 4:4-5
Jesus had to go through Samaria. He came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was near the land Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

Thought for the Day: This is the beginning of the story often entitled: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. Jesus and his disciples have been in Judea, the area West of the Dead Sea where we find Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The plan is to go north to Galilee, but as Jews, they would have most often gone around Samaria. There was a bit of a conflict there, and Samaritans and Jews did not speak well of one another. Yet our scripture says Jesus “had to go through Samaria.” Technically, that is incorrect. There was a route that required the crossing of the Jordan river, and though a bit longer, it was a commonly chosen road for those who wanted to avoid Samaria. So why is it that the Gospel writer makes it sound as if Jesus had no other options? Could it be possible that this comment is less about actual options and more about calling and purpose? There are so many times when we have choices, yet if we are going to live the life we believe we’ve been called to live, then there is only one option. Jesus did not see boundaries the same way others did. These boundaries were not uncrossable lines, but opportunities. There are times in life we can avoid a situation rather easily, but if we are serious about following Jesus, there is often only one path and it takes us directly into the situation we might have chosen to avoid if it were not for God’s tugging at our spirit.

Prayer: Let me look at the options and then spend time discerning my option. Help me to see, O God of Vision, the path by which I can best serve you. Amen.

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/38fvPyU