Come and SeeEsimerkki

The invisible, the forgotten, the enemy, and the outcast: these are the people on the outside; the ones so easily overlooked, ignored, and avoided. At a well in Samaria, however, Jesus broke through a multitude of barriers and moved towards someone who should have been invisible. She was a Samaritan... a woman... and a sinner who had been scorned by everyone. But this is the person Jesus stopped for and it was to her that He declared the words that every Jew and Samaritan had spent centuries waiting to hear, “I am He.” The promised Messiah had finally come, and what He had to offer was better than anything that could have been imagined. Through Him, barriers dividing people would crumble; and like water that never runs dry, He would flood desperate and parched souls with the Spirit that brings everlasting life and overflowing satisfaction. If only everyone knew of this tidal wave of grace being offered. The Savior’s words stirred the woman into action. Disregarding her reputation, she called the crowds to meet the man who had given her hope. As they began to come, Jesus told His disciples, “Open your eyes and look.” There is no time to wait. There is no person worth ignoring. The harvest is here, and everyone must know that Christ has come. Jesus saw the invisible and He broke down walls of disunity. He calls us to do the same. With compassion and conviction, we are to open our eyes to people who are gasping for Living Water that can only come from Him. Later, in a different city, Jesus once again spoke hope-filled words. As a result, a different crowd of people ran to a grieving father joyfully telling him “Your son lives!” It is with this same joyful urgency that we now go, declaring the most miraculous truth, “The Son lives!” The harvest is full. Open your eyes. Who do you see? DAILY READING Read John 4 CHRISTMAS CONNECTION Jesus came to remove barriers, but we still sometimes create them. Think of someone you may not normally talk to. It may be because of bitterness or simply lack of connection. If forgiveness is called for, let this be the moment. Then, go out of your way to surprise this person with a Christmas gift or card. Remember, one encounter can bring a harvest of joy!