Thursday, January 12, 2012

Understanding the Gift of God


In John Chapter 4, we read about Jesus and the woman at the well. For centuries believers have gained incredible insight from this story. While I will not focus on everything that this story contains, I do want to look at a common misconception.

Jesus asked this woman for a drink of water. Rather than just giving Him the water, she went into a discussion about racial prejudice. Instead of joining her on a rabbit chase, He responded by saying "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." (John 4:10)

Now we are dealing with something totally different. Jesus deliberately took this discussion to a new level. Sure...he was thirsty but she was dealing with a thirst that could only be quenched by Him.

There is a common misconception that people have about faith in God. We automatically think that God is wanting us to give Him something. But eternal life isn't about what we bring to the table. In fact, Jesus demonstrates for us that if we understand the gift of God and what He is all about that we would ask Him for a drink that will never run dry.

Refuse to get caught up in the debates. What Jesus offers to us isn't about our background, where we worship, or our lifestyle choices. He freely offers Himself to us. The gift that He wants to give is a fountain of life that will never run dry. He took this illustration of eternal life to a new level in John 7 by saying that this fountain would be live a well of water springing up and flowing out of you.

What have you tried in life that hasn't worked?
Relationships?
Religion?
Theological Reasoning?
There is only one thing in this life that will satisfy the hunger and thirst of your soul. His name is Jesus.

This woman had encountered the Messiah and she was changed forever. Through this one event an entire city came to know who He was. The same can happen in our own lives. It doesn't matter how ugly your life may seem. It doesn't matter to God the shame that you feel. This offer of life comes freely to every one of us.

Jesus death on the cross brings forgiveness of sin. Your faith in Him brings eternal life. The Spirit of God brings the power of the abundant life to you. You will never need another thing to satisfy your soul. You won't have to look for completion anywhere else. This is the life that He gives and it is a life that will flow out of you to everyone else.

Eternal salvation is not about what you can bring to God. He's not looking for your gifts/works. He has already given the greatest gift. Salvation and the abundant life that follows comes through your faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that if we believe that Jesus rose from the dead and confess Him as Lord that we will be saved. Salvation is waiting for you.

Are you thirsty?

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