She was a pagan. She was a woman. She was of an “inferior race.” She was confused. She was living in sin… And she was in need.
He was God. He was man. He was weary. He knew the truth. He had her answer… And He met her, just as she was.
They were shocked. They were self-righteous. They missed the point. They were confused. They were following the Law… And they would have passed her by.
It’s so hard to accept people right where they are. Especially if they’re different from me; especially if they have issues that are hard for me to understand; especially if I feel like I’ve tried time and time again to break through, to build relationship, to speak truth, to help. I find myself weary; I find myself beaten down from trying. And yet, so did Jesus.
And finding a connection; figuring out something that made sense to her – on her level; on her terms, He loved her. He taught her. He corrected, exhorted, and redeemed her. And it “clicked” for her. Because he met here, just as she was. It didn’t matter that she was different; that she was trading her body for rent; that she was a Samaritan; that she didn’t “get” what Jesus was saying at first. He walked with her, speaking in her terms, stooping down to talk her step by step, question by question, misunderstanding by misunderstanding, through water, to eternity, to revelation, to worship, to the Savior!
He didn’t abandon her; He didn’t meet her on “his terms” – which is good… being God and all, it would be pretty hard to “get it” if we had to understand God’s terms! He knew her needs; her life; her issues; her level. And he humbled himself, putting aside all He was, ignoring His weariness, stooping to her level to meet her there.
I don’t do that well. I wonder how many times I could stop and consider their needs; their life; their issues; their level… but instead choose not to. Instead try to relate out of my … all that stuff. And then, do I miss whatever harvest was laid in front of me? I’ve got to think the answer is “yes.”
She’s off her rocker. He’s insecure. They’ve given up and won’t listen to reason. He’s angry and irritable. She can’t stand to be wrong… He’s everyman. She’s everywoman.
I’m self-centered. I’m busy. I’m logical and cut-and-dry. I often don’t even pause to notice. I like things on my terms… And yet, I’m called to respond...
(...and happy Cinco de Mayo!)
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