Easter: The Aftermath

Easter is over.  The chocolate bunnies are eaten.  The leftovers from Easter dinner are gone.  The new outfits have been dry cleaned and tucked away in the closet.  It's back to business as usual.  But if we celebrate the resurrection then go back to status quo then we've missed the point.   Easter is a new beginning.  For the Jewish people Passover was a significant time.  While the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt the last plague was the Passover.  Everyone who Read more

Passions Need People

Last time we looked at how Nehemiah's passion led him to complete the tremendous undertaking of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, but he didn't do it alone.....   How often have you had an idea, a vision, a passion you wanted to pursue, but it never went beyond an idea in your head because you had no idea how you would make it happen?  Yeah, its sounded like a good idea, but that thought of trying to accomplish Read more

The Power of Passion

Often when we hear the word passion, we think of it in the context of love and romance.  Most people can relate to that feeling of being in love.  You fall for that special someone and they become your obsession.  That special person is all you think about.  You'd do almost anything for them.   You can also get passionate about a goal. Something you feel driven to accomplish.  Something that you're willing to put your all into, make sacrifices for.  Read more

Spring Break the Hunger....A Child's Spark

Last time, I asked for your help in raising money for my church’s current initiative: buy 300 Food Packets to send home with kids over spring break.  Essentially, the food pack is enough stuff for the kids to make themselves a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday.   So we’re sitting in church last Sunday, listening to the man explain the initiative and my son (whose 9) leans over to me and says “Mom, that’s all they get?    They should Read more
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The Woman at the Well: Part 3, Nothing to Lose

Posted on April 19, 2012 by ML Smith Posted in Insights | Leave a comment

A few months back I did a post in the Wimps of the Bible category on the Rich Young Man.  He came to Jesus seeking eternal life.  Jesus first pointed out the obvious (Obey the commandments).  But when the young man pressed further, Jesus told him “go and sell everything you have. Give the money to those who are poor…. Then come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).  This was more than he was willing to do and the young man went away sad.

Contrast that story with our recent focus on the woman at the well.  She was so desperate and ready for what Jesus had to offer that she left her water pot at the well and went to tell the whole village about her encounter.  She had no hesitation in accepting him.

It is interesting that these two characters are at opposite ends of the social spectrum.  The young man was very wealthy (probably had some status as well), and had no desire to let go of these things.  He was willing to do whatever it took as long as it didn’t cross the line and require him to part with the one thing he truly valued: his wealth.  The woman, on the other hand, had nothing to lose.  She was a social outcast, drawing water during the hottest time of the day so as to avoid her neighbors.  She obviously was looking for something as evidenced by her numerous unsuccessful relationships.

I think when it comes to accepting Jesus’ unconditional love people at rock bottom are at an advantage.  When you’re at the bottom, there is no place to go but up.  When things are at the worst they could possibly be, the knowledge that Jesus loves and accepts you as you are can be the one thing that pulls you out of the darkness.

Contrast that with those of us who (supposedly) have it all together.  We have a decent job, fairly healthy relationships, no glaringly bad or addictive habits…For people in that position it’s a lot harder to feel like you “need” what Jesus has to offer.  Afterall, you’re doing pretty ok on your own.  This “Jesus thing” gets messy.  It is often tough.  It can be inconvenient.  It makes demands on you.  It reminds you that you don’t have it all together.  While you may look good on the outside, you’re just as messed up and undeserving as those people sitting at the bottom.