March 15, 2020
John 4:27-42 … “Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.” vs. 35
When the disciples looked around it’s likely they saw little more than villages full of despised Samaritans. They hadn’t even imagined that such folks would be interested in the Gospel of grace being proclaimed by Jesus. But Jesus knew! In his eyes these weren’t Samaritans, these were people hungry for words of love and acts of kindness. They were hurting, and he stayed with them two more days to preach and teach. We too are called to lift up our eyes to the people around us, especially those who have been missed and alienated by our traditions and rituals. There are literally thousands of folks who hunger for purpose and love, but they’re looking in all the wrong places. We probably won’t be able to reach them in the old ways, but if we’re alert to the Spirit moving among us we’ll be able to figure out new ways to connect. One thing for sure—our reaching out will always draw us into relationships with hungry people. Folks are yearning for authenticity and compassion, and we might be just the ones to make the connections. True love will never be obsolete and we might be uniquely positioned to break through current cultural barriers, just like Jesus with those Samaritans!
Thought for the Day: Where do I see fields that are ripe for harvesting?
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