Let Us Meet at the Well
Issue 051
October 6, 2020
WRITTEN BY JULIE MOUNT
As restrictions are being lifted and things are attempting to get back to a relative normal here in Florida, I am called to reflect on the last six months. Six months of virtual isolation from our church gatherings as we had come to know them. Six months of attempting to stay connected to our community through closed doors. Six months of reinventing the ways we connect, communicate, and care for one another.
I’m reminded of ways Jesus meets us where we are. Specifically, when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well…
Jacob’s well was still there. Jesus, worn out by the trip, sat down at the well. It was noon. A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, “Would you give me a drink of water?”
John 4:6-7, The Message
CONNECTION
Jesus knew he would encounter the woman at the well. He knew it would be an unexpected meeting. Uncomfortable, really, because Jews weren’t meant to be in contact with the types of people that drew their water mid-day, and she knew that. Upon his visit to the well, he sought out a connection with her. A connection she didn’t know she needed, but soon acknowledged to be the most important one of her life as well as those near to her. And that connection took shape with presence and a simple question.
As the doors of the church were closed for the pandemic, we brainstormed ways to keep connected. As a house church network, we were used to small, intimate gatherings where we celebrate communion through a shared meal and grow closer as a community through teachings and discussions of scripture. These came to a screeching halt, yet we remained spiritually connected despite our need for physical distancing.
“And that connection took shape with presence and a simple question.”
The shutdown of our local communities changed things drastically, but we are thankful for technology. We quickly took to using online platforms to host our discussions and stay relationally connected. As needs appeared, our focus shifted. From bible studies to game nights to discussions inspired by the pulse of events in our nation, this network has faithfully remained connected through every twist and turn.
As restrictions begin to loosen here, some have felt comfortable enough to gather in driveways and pool patios to be in one another’s presence. It is during these outdoor gatherings when we see that our connection remains...through His presence and those around us.
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst - not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”
John 4:13-14, The Message
COMMUNICATION
As Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, she, like many others, struggled to fully understand what he was saying. The language he used was intended to bring about further questions and require clarification. As they spoke, he revealed his identity and she was forever changed. His willingness to remain with her so she might understand the significance of the Living Water is humbling. To anyone with ears to hear, he was there to teach.
“One thing is certain, Jesus met me where I was in the struggle, and talked me through it when he needed to. And he promises to always do that.”
There are many things I’ve missed during our mandated physical distancing these last months. Nothing, I thought, more than to hug my friends. As time passed, I realized that more than a hug, I missed the conversations. Technology offers us so many ways to communicate, but I still longed for a spoken word. At times, I found myself calling instead of texting. To hear expression and nuance in conversation is priceless.
I am sure countless people share my sentiments about the value of communication. I am sure others handled this much better than I did. One thing is certain, Jesus met me where I was in the struggle, and talked me through it when he needed to. And he promises to always do that.
But the time is coming -- it has, in fact, come -- when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.”
John 4:23-24, The Message
CARE
In the passage above, Jesus specifically lays out the requirements of God’s people. This seemingly simple explanation followed a discussion regarding Jesus’ love for all people. His knowledge of this woman was not something that a man of his stature would have cared to know. And yet, as he pointed out all he knew about her, it was not to create shame or guilt, but to express his love for her and all of his people. Jesus is the best at this...caring for others.
As followers of Jesus, we strive to care for others well. During these last several months, we have had many opportunities to live as Jesus teaches us to live. From illness to unemployment, from isolation to deaths of loved ones...the church has continued to show up for others.
Let us be the kind of people the Father is out looking for.