Jesus Had To

Text: John 4:1-10
Theme: Jesus allowed his inconvenient circumstances to provide opportunities for ministry.
Key verses: “Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John. So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar…Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Please give me a drink'” (v. 1-7) “She said to Jesus,’…Why are you asking me for a drink?’ Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water” (v. 9b-10).
What God said to me: Dwayne, you get bent out of sorts way too easily. You’ve known this about yourself for a long time. Yet, you haven’t addressed it. When things don’t go your way, you react more than you respond. You become visibly impatient, and sometimes you say and do things in the moment that cause those around you to wonder about your trust level in me. Dwayne, every circumstance–no matter how inconvenient or untimely–should be seen through the lens of my will and way for you and for your ministry to others. Jesus was put into a situation by his enemies, the Pharisees, where he had to leave Judea. He had to leave his successful ministry in Judea to go back to Galilee. There’s no record of him complaining or being frustrated by this troublesome move. Then, to make matters more complicated and unattractive, he had to go through Samaria. Jews avoided Samaria, but not Jesus. He intentionally went toward the down-and-out and forgotten and despised and lost. That was his nature. Even when he was tired from the long journey, he still kept his eyes open to people to whom he could minister. Notice he initiated the conversation with the woman at the well. How many times, Dwayne, do you try to avoid people, even occasionally walking the other way when you see them coming, all because you don’t want to be “inconvenienced”? You have blown so many ministry moments where you could have said something or done something to encourage and help people. You have missed opportunities to share with people the good news about me. Quit being so selfish, and guard yourself about getting anxious and frustrated over your circumstances. This is a growing problem in you because of the bigger issues of your lack of trust and your selfishness. I have called you out on it; now I expect you to deal with it. Reckon your flesh to be crucified, and like Jesus, start embracing those things that you “have” to do.
What I said to God: I am pretty-much speechless. You have pointed out my sin, shined Your light on this dark place in my heart. I confess I have been and am selfish many times, thinking of my comforts and wishes more than making myself available to help and witness to someone else. Lord God, please cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow. Please help me to go from this moment changed and determined to be the on-call minister have you called me to be–24/7. I love You and praise You for Your mercy and grace over my life and over my family and church. You are awesome!!