Morning Devotional
April 10, 2005
"The Woman at the Well" (Part 4) 
    by Don Emmitte

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." (John 4:9-10 NLT).

 

I recently met a young man who had just returned from a mission trip to Canada. He shared some statistics about the country that were startling to me. Less than 7% of the population of the country claims a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In Quebec, it is estimated at being less than 1% evangelical. There appears to be a tolerance of religion, but no strong desire for religion. The dominant religion does not even follow the basic teachings of the Bible, such as the deity of Christ.

 

When I considered Jesus’ response to the Samaritan woman I thought of Canada, and the rest of the world for that matter. If everyone knew the real Jesus, they would be running to Him. If the world ever really took a look at the person of Jesus Christ we would have a worldwide spiritual awakening, because in Jesus is everything we need for real abundant life. All the world’s problems are solved in Jesus. Jesus is the Living Water.

 

In my life I have developed a goal to help people deal with the pressures of life. I try to understand their history and attempt to work on the relationships and social problems they have in life. I realize, however, that ultimately Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor and so my final goal is to point them to Christ.

 

So many people have sought answers from other sources for so long, they don’t even realize that Jesus is available! Thousands of self-help books proclaim the steps to success. Many of these are helpful in implementing life-changing principles. However, there must be a beginning. I believe that can only be found in a personal relationship with Christ. Apart from Jesus we really can’t do anything of eternal significance or value. If we could only recognize how true this fact is, you and I would rush to Jesus with every struggle we have in life. We would come to Christ and taste of the Living Water. Oh, how we need Jesus! Is it time for you to begin with Him?