As we celebrate Valentines today, I am drawn to share about 3 bible stories in parallel. These are familiar stories we have heard in various forms and settings. Here’s how it goes:
A famous Ambassador made a brief stop at a city on his way to another– his allies had gone to finalise plans for his short stay. While he waited in an open-space lobby – by the well, a certain lady showed up in the exact place he was. Is it mere coincidence or could there be a greater purpose? Like most brothers would, he quickly started a conversation. Sharp!
“Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7).
Worst icebreaker or pick-up line ever! Not even a hello, I am Jesus but you can call me J or what’s a beautiful lady like you doing out alone in the sun? Evidently, the lady is nothing like me – she is very polite but forthright. She clearly points out the social, religious and political differences between them- you are a Jew and I am Samaritan. As it seems Jesus wasn’t catching on, this is the point I would have referenced an author from my textbook:
How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.
You Jews do not associate with us Samaritans, the woman continued. Why then do you ask me for a drink? This goes to illustrate the fact that there is nothing new under the sun. Present-day conflicts have their origin in the past. The ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ mentality is the outcome of the various racial and social divide people have experienced over time. If there was such a dissonance in Jesus’ day, why would ours be any different?
Jesus therein becomes the first diplomat with an agenda for peace. While the woman was very much fixated on the law; quoting the letter she said, you are Jewish and I am Samaritan. Jesus focused on grace, offering her what she needed – Living water. Back in those times, it was normal for water to be drawn from wells and may be streams, but fresh springs or living water was rare.
Jesus also makes it clear that the woman failed to recognise the gift of God and who she was speaking to. Oh for wisdom to perceive gifts, messengers, seasons and opportunities. How my tone and demeanour would have changed if I knew I was standing before the Prince of Peace. The one guy who can turn my life around. Sisters, you know what I am talking about
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, Ephesians 2:14
After much conversation delving into her relational and emotional life, the woman beckons to the community – come and see the man! They probably have heard her say it before. Come on babe, we are talking about man number 7! She said yes but this one is different. He told me everything I ever did. Everything I was, am and what I can become. Now I know I can get with God in Spirit and truth.. I don’t need no mountain! Good thing I showed up at the well today….this Jesus dude is da bomb! Come and see!
Long before this time, women have been known to draw water from wells. Rachel was a Shepherdess who often went to the well to water her father’s sheep. On one occasion, she met a man who later became her husband. The scripture illustrates how Jacob took an action to remove the obstacle. He rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. At the end of the working day, she presented the man!
We see the same pattern with Moses helping Zipporah by the well. It happened that other shepherds came taunting and chasing the Shepherdesses but Moses stood up, helped them, and watered their flock. When they got home narrating the day’s event to their father, he bade them to invite the man who became their sister’s husband.
In all 3 instances, each woman had come to the well with a purpose – specific need (desire, longing, and perhaps a prayer point) which was met by the men.
What is in a well?
A natural well is a water repository that may eventually dry up but Jesus is the well that won’t run dry.
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ “But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37 -39
It is worth noting that these women were well able to draw (they didn’t show up hoping bro so and so would manifest). They came prepared with their gears and were skilled to do as occasion demanded – it just happened that each brother was divinely placed to assist per time. Brothers, don’t just stand there and watch – do something! Jesus did, so did Moses and Jacob.
What spice do you bring? What difference do you make? Girl might be used to a certain lifestyle or routine which probably involves a painful past. You’ve got to have something fresh and reviving like ‘living water’. Something that will make her holler– come and see the man!
Other Valentine Editions
Love at the Upper Room – You Showed Me
Beloved
Love conquers all…
Will you be mine?
His Love, My Salvation
Because He Loved Me
Endless Love
You qualify!
I Love You