Another week, another day, another verses, another questions, and another commentary on how these verses touched me when I read them and meditated on them. I continue to thank God for this opportunity to search His word and I pray that He would blind us to any ignorance that we may add and shine His truth through His Spirit in the words we are touched to write.
Jhn 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
Jhn 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Jhn 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
- Is there any difference in the women’s speech now compared to when we fist meet her in vs 7?
- What were the differences in the ways the Jews and Samarians worshiped?
- What hour is Jesus referring to in vs 21 and why would it not matter the place of worship after that work was complete?
In the question of the women to the Father we see the continuous journey of this women towards Christ. First, and always foremost, we have the Spirit convicting the sinner of their sin; second we have the sinner conscience of their prejudice; next they turn to their own repentance and faith; then they turn to someone or somewhere else for their comfort - anything but Christ Himself! So we see the same thing with this women. Ask yourself, is it any different for many of us? It troubles me that so many try to come to God with "their" or "A" faith instead of coming naked "FOR" faith from the only one who can give it. It seems sometimes we are more concerned about differences between denominations or churches, look and preach salvation as obtainable only as a part of a membership of a particular sect, or accomplished by a certain method. Many seek solutions of these problems long before they find the true rest in His finished work. For those who take refuge in a church and look to it as a stepping-stone to Christ frequently find it more often than not a stumbling block instead. Let us not focus on the steps we need to take to Christ for ultimately salvation and true peace comes by grace in the knowledge that none are needed. "A convicted sinner can never become a devoted servant until he finds his place at the feet of a revealed Savior." Cesar H. Malan (1787 - 1864) Swiss preacher.
