Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 18, 2016
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.” John 4:9-10
This week, as I sat early one morning in my prayer chair at home—my precious 7-year old grand baby Lily caught me reading and praying the Psalms. Instead of being glad she saw her Pop reading the Bible, I was a little annoyed my time with God had been “interrupted.” She crawled up into my lap—and suddenly my heavenly Father reminded me, “This is not an interruption, but an illustration of my love, care and affection for you, son.” My heart warmed, then I noticed several bruises on her sun soaked legs created by an active child. The Holy Spirit whispered, “Boyd, you are bruised and broken—and I Am—your Comforter and Healer.” Peace, joy, confidence, hope, faith and love all at once—moved me closer to Christ. Jesus illustrated through an “interruption” what I was seeking all along—His loving presence.
The unnamed foreigner—a Samaritan woman—was minding her own business when a stranger interrupted her domestic duties of drawing water from the refreshing well. Jesus asked her for a favor—a drink of water—but the larger purpose was for the Lord to give this searching, hard working adult—created in the image of God—living water for her thirsty soul. The Messiah she had heard about was in her presence to offer her the satisfaction of His forgiveness and love.
“Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:16-17).
Traffic, a sick child, a costly home repair, a long line, a needy neighbor, a complaining customer, a late vendor or a co-worker in crisis may seem like interruptions—but look for an illustration of God’s character in your disruptive circumstances. When you encounter a person in sorrow, imagine Christ on the cross when He sought comfort from His heavenly Father. Interruptions are appointments of compassion. Life may feel unfair, but in your everyday routine recognize the Lord in the little things and love like your Savior Jesus. Interruptions represent people to love.
Wow! Loving people is the business of believers in God. It may be a person in your immediate presence or it could be an individual in your peripheral vision: a restaurant server who needs to be included in your prayer thanking the Lord for your meal—a doctor or nurse that cares for you or a loved one who needs to be encouraged—a critic that doesn’t have the full story, who needs patience and grace. Look for illustrations of God’s works at work, at home, on vacation—but especially in your interruptions. Let interruptions slow you down, to better focus on faith in God.
“Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him” (Mark 5:22-24).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes of faith to see Your illustrations of faith in my life’s interruptions.Application
Who in my life is the Lord seeking to illustrate His will for my life?Related Reading
Genesis 6:9-15, 22:1-14; Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 5:25-34Post/Tweet today
Let interruptions slow you down—to better focus on your faith in God. #WisdomHunters #interruptionsWorship Resource
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