Recently, I've been spending a lot of time in John. And just a couple of days ago, I read the story of Jesus and the Samaritan at the well (John 4:1-26). One thing I've been doing lately when I quietly listen to God through the Bible is try to read carefully and between the lines. We all probably want to try to accomplish this, me especially as an English major :), but it doesn't always work out so well. While God's Word is clear, we often muddy it up with our own ideas, our own interpretations, and just the simple fact that we've heard these stories so often. That's probably my biggest problem. I turn a perfect, God inspired piece into a short story which I've heard hundreds of times. Stories like Jesus at the well can "lose" their significance to me simply because I've heard them so often, and because of this, I know what is going to happen. It loses its trait of suspense and with it, my full attention. So now, I am trying to reread these stories, and the whole Bible in general, with new eyes, God's eyes.
Before, I thought this passage in John was a nice little story. I summed it up as Jesus reveling himself to this woman and telling her of how her thirst can only be quenched by him. And this, of course, is true. But there is so much more to this story.
(Please read John4:1-26 now, so I don't have to explain the whole thing in a tiny blog; besides, God words it better than I would. For your convience, here it is on line: http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=john+4&version1=51).
Particularly, in this reading of John, I saw a few things; Jesus going out of his way to have an intimate relationship with this woman, and their thoughts on worship (I'll save the worship blog for another day). The beginning of this passage starts with, " 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way." But did he? I looked at a map and did a little brief research, and concluded that geographically, Jesus DID NOT have to go through this town. In fact, most Jews tried to avoid this area; plus, it was out of his way, and a fairly difficult travel. But Jesus, seeing the bigger picture, knew that he did have to go through this village, not for travel reasons, but for this woman. He went out of his way for this one woman just so she could know him personally.
2000+ years later, he still continues to do this. Each day, I am continually amazed at how Jesus goes out of his way just so he can have a relationship with me; just so he can listen to me both complain and praise; just so he can talk to me. Even when I am trying to ignore God, he still goes out of his way to bring me back. And why? Why would the Creator of the Universe go out of his way for me? Why would he want that relationship in the first place? And besides, wasn't Jesus' coming to earth and sacrifice enough? The disciples, in verse 27 had the same question.
Even though he has done more than enough already, he still is seeking me, even when I am not seeking him. Jesus wants this close relationship with me, with us. He gets so much joy from it, but more importantly, he wants this relationship because he knows we need it. When left to ourselves, we become thirsty; we become lost into the darkness of our problems and the world. And though my relationship with Christ doesn't eliminate these problems, it gives me something even better. It gives me a God who listens; who really cares; who doesn't let me down; who truly knows me.
He would, and has, done everything to pursue me. Sometimes, he uses other people to reveal himself to me; other times, he shows me himself by leading me to certain passages.
This reminds me of Death Cab's song, "I Will Possess Your Heart." I like to picture Jesus singing about how he will, against all odds, possess my heart after all of his pursuing, and after all of my rejections; and he's still willing to do it, regardless of how long it will take.
How I wish you could see the potential
The potential of you and me
It's like a book elegantly bound
But in a language that you can't read
****
There are days when outside your window
I see my reflection as I slowly pass
And I long for this mirrored perspective
When we'll be lovers, lovers at last
****
You reject my advances and desperate pleas
I won't let you let me down so easily
So easily
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2 comments:
dom, i hope it doesnt make you uncomfortable that i have been reading your blog this morning. i know you, but not very well at all. i saw your post on facebook and clicked out of curiosity. it turns out, curiosity has a way of masking itself as such, when in the end you find what it is that you needed to find, what was looking for you. anyway, to make a long story short, times are hard in my head. i havent been able to get out of my struggles. something led me to read your blog and i remembered how i used to feel when i felt close to god. i think my focus is so far removed from worshiping that i often let that relationship slip away without noticing. i only feel more upset with everyday. i guess im trying to say thanks for taking the time, interest, and passion to post these blogs. they've helped me remember things i never should have forgotten.
No problem :) I'm glad you read the blog. It took me a second to figure out who you were, but I saw one of your profile pics, and that answered my question. I've been meaning to post another blog, but it's finals time... maybe later.
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