John 4:28-29
(excerpt from Morning Meditations by Martin Wiles)
John 4:28-29 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" (NIV)
Our home is filled with an odd array of items that have cracks, scratches, broken parts, worn fabric, and shackley legs. All evidences of misuse, neglect and time. Many people wouldn't want what we have.
Yet we continue to collect these time worn objects because we are antique collectors and a little nostalgic. We know love and attention can transform a neglected item. Scratches can be covered and a dull finish restored.
And nothing is more rewarding than refurbishing a neglected piece of furniture for display. Guests ooh and ahh, but only we know how it once looked. And we love the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."
Jesus had the same habit. He saw possibilities others didn't. According to the religious elite, he hung around with the wrong crowd and chose unlikely candidates to carry on his work after His departure.
The Samaritan woman was a prime example. Of all the people he could have invited to assist with His work, He chose a half breed. All she had to offer was four failed marriages and a live in boyfriend-or so it appeared.
According to the story, Jesus had to travel through Samaria. There was a more respected route, but Jesus wasn't big on tradition. He was on seeing untapped potential. So he revealed His true identity and invited the woman to let Him cover her scratches and shine her rough spots. She accepted the offer, ran into town and told everyone about her life changing encounter.
That's what makes grace so wonderful and paradoxical. God takes the bruised, broken and maimed and restores them. Those who think they're already shiny enough He rarely chooses. And for that I'm thankful. If it took perfection and a life free of mistakes and wrong turns, I’d be left behind.
God knows our potential. It's simply a matter of putting our failures behind and allowing God to minimize what we are often tempted to maximize-the reasons why we can’t.
Prayer: Lord thank You for choosing to use broken vessels like us. www.lovelinesfromgod.blogspot.com
Read more articles by Martin Wiles or search for articles on the same topic or others.
