Week 7
Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” —John 4:21–24
We all come to God carrying a mix of expectations, assumptions, and flawed theology—sometimes without realizing it. For example, I used to believe all my problems would be solved when I made a commitment to Jesus Christ. In a sense, it is true, but not in the way I thought. I wanted everything to go well, every decision I made to be the correct one, and no harm to befall me. When things didn’t turn out that way, my confidence in God was shaken. Even so, I persevered, and God used that time of questioning to give me a more mature and correct understanding of who he is—the sovereign One who deserves my praise in all circumstances.
Reflection Questions
The Samaritan woman had an inadequate view of God that Jesus clarified. Can you recall a false view of God that you once held that he then clarified? If so, what was it, and how did he do it?
Pray that the Lord will reveal any false view you have of him, others, the world, or your own self. Record anything the Lord is asking you to surrender.
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?