Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Streams in the Desert
John.4:4-15

Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. (John.4:9)
Remember what brings us together

It was Christmas season and a lady walked into a post office and asked for 30 stamps. The girl behind the counter asked “And which denominations would you like them in?” With a surprised expression, the lady replied “Oh my! What has this world come to! I will take 15 Protestant and 15 Catholic ones.”

Living in a multicultural society, we often focus on our differences and the things that make us (or our culture) stand out of the crowd. We are often asked what we can offer that no one else can. That is why it is easy to forget the similarities we share. In spite of our cultural, racial, financial or sexual differences we are still children of God. As we sit in the church pews we have the tendency to consider ourselves an exclusive, saved group that is better in the eyes of The Lord. Although there is a huge deal of confidence to be gained from our relationship with The Lord, it never puts us above anyone else in this world. On the contrary, it puts us at level with everyone else in the world and puts in perspective the insignificance of all worldly things we hold dear to us.

As illustrated in the story of the Samaritan woman, Jesus was initially refused a drink of water because he was a Jew. Here we see a woman who does not know Jesus refusing him a drink, not because she does not want to help him, but because of how she has been looked down upon by Jews all her life. Jesus reveals to her his true identity and shows her how life could be different if she gives her life to the Lord. As a result of this conversation, she no longer felt that she was beneath Jesus but puts her entire life in his hands. The Bible says “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John. 5: 14). God does not discriminate the prayers of his true believers.

As we celebrate World Day of Prayer it is important that we reflect on the importance of prayer in our lives, and the miraculous effect it can have on the lives of those we pray for. It is a common ground, where our differences can be put aside to focus on the needs of our world.   

Prayer: Lord, give us the strength we need to see everyone on earth as equals and shine light on the path of hope and love that you showed us. As we come together to kneel at your feet, Lord hear our prayers and hear the prayers of all our brothers and sisters around the world.     

Thought of the day: Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.. (Luke 6:37)

                        Romason Monichan, St Mathews MTC, Toronto


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