Scripture Reading: John 4:5-15
The record tells us that Jesus in His journey “must needs” pass through Samaria. There was no other way unless He had gone far about. But we may believe that there was another “must needs” for His passing that way — there was this woman at Samaria who needed Him. It was worthwhile to go a long distance out of His way to carry the water of life to a thirsty soul. If He had not gone through Samaria, this wonderful chapter in John’s gospel would never have been written, and the New Testament would have been less rich. It is worth our while to think of the way God is always directing our movements so as to bring us to the places at which He wants us to be and to the people He wants us to touch and to help. There are no chance meetings in this world. Jesus met the woman at the well at the right moment. When we are doing God’s will He guides our movements, orders our steps, and there is a sacred meaning in our crossing of other’s paths.
A well of water in the East was of great importance, and this well, no doubt, was especially valuable. People came from far and near to draw water from it, and weary passers-by were refreshed as they drank of the pure, wholesome spring. It is interesting to think of how many persons along the centuries were helped by the water they drew from its cold depths. It is not longer of value, however — it is now only a useless excavation, a mere relic of the past, choked by rubbish. There are some people like this old well. Once they were full of life, with kindness flowing from them wherever they went, a blessing to all who came near to them. Now the well of love in them flows no more, or only intermittently; it has been choked up by the worldliness or by care. We should keep our heart-wells ever open and the water flowing fresh and pure in them as long as we live. Christian love never should cease to pour forth its streams of kindness.
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