The Desire of Ages--19--At Jacob's Well

[wigina]

Chap. 19 - At Jacob's Well

Listen to    At Jacob's Well 

                 




     On the way to Galilee Jesus passed through Samaria. It was noon when He reached the beautiful Vale of Shechem. At the opening of this valley was Jacob's well. Wearied with His journey, He sat down here to rest while His disciples went to buy food. 
     The Jews and the Samaritans were bitter enemies, and as far as possible avoided all dealing with each other. To trade with the Samaritans in case of necessity was indeed counted lawful by the rabbis; but all social intercourse with them was condemned. A Jew would not borrow from a Samaritan, nor receive a kindness, not even a morsel of bread or a cup of water. The disciples, in buying food, were acting in harmony with the custom of their nation. But beyond this they did not go. To ask a favor of the Samaritans, or in any way seek to benefit them, did not enter into the thought of even Christ's disciples. 
     As Jesus sat by the well side, He was faint from hunger and thirst. The journey since morning had been long, and now the sun of noontide beat upon Him. His thirst was increased by the thought of the cool, refreshing water so near, yet inaccessible to Him; for He had no rope nor water jar, and the well was deep. The lot of humanity was His, and He waited for someone to come to draw. 
     A woman of Samaria approached, and seeming unconscious of His presence, filled her pitcher with water. As she turned to go away, Jesus asked her for a drink. Such a favor no Oriental would withhold. In the East, water was called "the gift of God." To offer a drink to the thirsty traveler was held to be a duty so sacred that the Arabs of the desert would go out of their way in order to perform it. The hatred between Jews and Samaritans prevented the woman from offering a kindness to Jesus; but the Saviour was seeking to find the key to this heart, and with the tact born of divine love, He asked, not offered, a favor. The offer of a kindness might have been rejected; but trust awakens trust. The King of heaven came to this outcast soul, asking a service at her hands. He who made the ocean, who controls the waters of the great deep, who opened the springs and channels of the earth, rested from His weariness at Jacob's well, and was dependent upon a stranger's kindness for even the gift of a drink of water. 
     The woman saw that Jesus was a Jew. In her surprise she forgot to grant His request, but tried to learn the reason for it. "How is it," she said, "that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?" 
     Jesus answered, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." You wonder that I should ask of you even so small a favor as a draught of water from the well at our feet. Had you asked of Me, I would have given you to drink of the water of everlasting life. 
     The woman had not comprehended the words of Christ, but she felt their solemn import. Her light, bantering manner began to change. Supposing that Jesus spoke of the well before them, she said, "Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast Thou that living water? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself?" She saw before her only a thirsty traveler, wayworn and dusty. In her mind she compared Him with the honored patriarch Jacob. She cherished the feeling, which is so natural, that no other well could be equal to that provided by the fathers. She was looking backward to the fathers, forward to the Messiah's coming, while the Hope of the fathers, the Messiah Himself, was beside her, and she knew Him not. How many thirsting souls are today close by the living fountain, yet looking far away for the wellsprings of life! "Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) . . . The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: . . . if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:6-9. 
     Jesus did not immediately answer the question in regard to Himself, but with solemn earnestness He said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."   
     He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink only to thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something to supply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the world, "The Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul. 
     Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draft of the water of life would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee. And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hunger and thirst. Every human resource and dependence will fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of blessing,--"a well of water springing up into everlasting life." From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs. 
     As Jesus spoke of the living water, the woman looked upon Him with wondering attention. He had aroused her interest, and awakened a desire for the gift of which He spoke. She perceived that it was not the water of Jacob's well to which He referred; for of this she used continually, drinking, and thirsting again. "Sir," she said, "give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw."
     Jesus now abruptly turned the conversation. Before this soul could receive the gift He longed to bestow, she must be brought to recognize her sin and her Saviour. He "saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither." She answered, "I have no husband." Thus she hoped to prevent all questioning in that direction. But the Saviour continued, "Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly."   
     The listener trembled. A mysterious hand was turning the pages of her life history, bringing to view that which she had hoped to keep forever hidden. Who was He that could read the secrets of her life? There came to her thoughts of eternity, of the future Judgment, when all that is now hidden shall be revealed. In its light, conscience was awakened. 
     She could deny nothing; but she tried to evade all mention of a subject so unwelcome. With deep reverence, she said, "Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet." Then, hoping to silence conviction, she turned to points of religious controversy. If this was a prophet, surely He could give her instruction concerning these matters that had been so long disputed. 
     Patiently Jesus permitted her to lead the conversation whither she would. Meanwhile He watched for the opportunity of again bringing the truth home to her heart. "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain," she said, "and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Just in sight was Mount Gerizim. Its temple was demolished, and only the altar remained. The place of worship had been a subject of contention between the Jews and the Samaritans. Some of the ancestors of the latter people had once belonged to Israel; but because of their sins, the Lord suffered them to be overcome by an idolatrous nation. For many generations they were intermingled with idolaters, whose religion gradually contaminated their own. It is true they held that their idols were only to remind them of the living God, the Ruler of the universe; nevertheless the people were led to reverence their graven images. 
     When the temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt in the days of Ezra, the Samaritans wished to join the Jews in its erection. This privilege was refused them, and a bitter animosity sprang up between the two peoples. The Samaritans built a rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Here they worshiped in accordance with the Mosaic ritual, though they did not wholly renounce idolatry. But disasters attended them, their temple was destroyed by their enemies, and they seemed to be under a curse; yet they still clung to their traditions and their forms of worship. They would not acknowledge the temple at Jerusalem as the house of God, nor admit that the religion of the Jews was superior to their own. 
     In answer to the woman, Jesus said, "Believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." Jesus had shown that He was free from Jewish prejudice against the Samaritans. Now He sought to break down the prejudice of this Samaritan against the Jews. While referring to the fact that the faith of the Samaritans was corrupted with idolatry, He declared that the great truths of redemption had been committed to the Jews, and that from among them the Messiah was to appear. In the Sacred Writings they had a clear presentation of the character of God and the principles of His government. Jesus classed Himself with the Jews as those to whom God had given a knowledge of Himself. 
     He desired to lift the thoughts of His hearer above matters of form and ceremony, and questions of controversy. "The hour cometh," He said, "and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." 
     Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when He said, "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters
     As the woman talked with Jesus, she was impressed with His words. Never had she heard such sentiments from the priests of her own people or from the Jews. As the past of her life had been spread out before her, she had been made sensible of her great want. She realized her soul thirst, which the waters of the well of Sychar could never satisfy. Nothing that had hitherto come in contact with her had so awakened her to a higher need. Jesus had convinced her that He read the secrets of her life; yet she felt that He was her friend, pitying and loving her. While the very purity of His presence condemned her sin, He had spoken no word of denunciation, but had told her of His grace, that could renew the soul. She began to have some conviction of His character. The question arose in her mind, Might not this be the long-looked-for Messiah? She said to Him, "I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things." Jesus answered, "I that speak unto thee am He."   
     As the woman heard these words, faith sprang up in her heart. She accepted the wonderful announcement from the lips of the divine Teacher. 
     This woman was in an appreciative state of mind. She was ready to receive the noblest revelation; for she was interested in the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit had been preparing her mind to receive more light. She had studied the Old Testament promise, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken." Deuteronomy 18:15. She longed to understand this prophecy. Light was already flashing into her mind. The water of life, the spiritual life which Christ gives to every thirsty soul, had begun to spring up in her heart. The Spirit of the Lord was working with her.
     The plain statement made by Christ to this woman could not have been made to the self-righteous Jews. Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them. That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her. Jesus saw that she would make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace. 
     When the disciples returned from their errand, they were surprised to find their Master speaking with the woman. He had not taken the refreshing draught that He desired, and He did not stop to eat the food His disciples had brought. When the woman had gone, the disciples entreated Him to eat. They saw Him silent, absorbed, as in rapt meditation. His face was beaming with light, and they feared to interrupt His communion with heaven. But they knew that He was faint and weary, and thought it their duty to remind Him of His physical necessities. Jesus recognized their loving interest, and He said, "I have meat to eat that ye know not of." 
     The disciples wondered who could have brought Him food; but He explained, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to accomplish His work." John 4:34, R. V. As His words to the woman had aroused her conscience, Jesus rejoiced. He saw her drinking of the water of life, and His own hunger and thirst were satisfied. The accomplishment of the mission which He had left heaven to perform strengthened the Saviour for His labor, and lifted Him above the necessities of humanity. To minister to a soul hungering and thirsting for the truth was more grateful to Him than eating or drinking. It was a comfort, a refreshment, to Him. Benevolence was the life of His soul. 
     Our Redeemer thirsts for recognition. He hungers for the sympathy and love of those whom He has purchased with His own blood. He longs with inexpressible desire that they should come to Him and have life. As the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her little child, which tells of the dawning of intelligence, so does Christ watch for the expression of grateful love, which shows that spiritual life is begun in the soul.  } 
     The woman had been filled with joy as she listened to Christ's words. The wonderful revelation was almost overpowering. Leaving her waterpot, she returned to the city, to carry the message to others. Jesus knew why she had gone. Leaving her waterpot spoke unmistakably as to the effect of His words. It was the earnest desire of her soul to obtain the living water; and she forgot her errand to the well, she forgot the Saviour's thirst, which she had purposed to supply. With heart overflowing with gladness, she hastened on her way, to impart to others the precious light she had received
     "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did," she said to the men of the city. "Is not this the Christ?" Her words touched their hearts. There was a new expression on her face, a change in her whole appearance. They were interested to see Jesus. "Then they went out of the city, and came unto Him." 
     As Jesus still sat at the well side, He looked over the fields of grain that were spread out before Him, their tender green touched by the golden sunlight. Pointing His disciples to the scene, He employed it as a symbol: "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." And as He spoke, He looked on the groups that were coming to the well. It was four months to the time for harvesting the grain, but here was a harvest ready for the reaper. 
     "He that reapeth," He said, "receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth." Here Christ points out the sacred service owed to God by those who receive the gospel. They are to be His living agencies. He requires their individual service. And whether we sow or reap, we are working for God. One scatters the seed; another gathers in the harvest; and both the sower and the reaper receive wages. They rejoice together in the reward of their labor. 
     Jesus said to the disciples, "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors." The Saviour was here looking forward to the great ingathering on the day of Pentecost. The disciples were not to regard this as the result of their own efforts. They were entering into other men's labors. Ever since the fall of Adam Christ had been committing the seed of the word to His chosen servants, to be sown in human hearts. And an unseen agency, even an omnipotent power, had worked silently but effectually to produce the harvest. The dew and rain and sunshine of God's grace had been given, to refresh and nourish the seed of truth. Christ was about to water the seed with His own blood. His disciples were privileged to be laborers together with God. They were coworkers with Christ and with the holy men of old. By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, thousands were to be converted in a day. This was the result of Christ's sowing, the harvest of His work. 
     In the words spoken to the woman at the well, good seed had been sown, and how quickly the harvest was received. The Samaritans came and heard Jesus, and believed on Him. Crowding about Him at the well, they plied Him with questions, and eagerly received His explanations of many things that had been obscure to them. As they listened, their perplexity began to clear away. They were like a people in great darkness tracing up a sudden ray of light till they had found the day. But they were not satisfied with this short conference. They were anxious to hear more, and to have their friends also listen to this wonderful teacher. They invited Him to their city, and begged Him to remain with them. For two days He tarried in Samaria, and many more believed on Him. 
     The Pharisees despised the simplicity of Jesus. They ignored His miracles, and demanded a sign that He was the Son of God. But the Samaritans asked no sign, and Jesus performed no miracles among them, save in revealing the secrets of her life to the woman at the well. Yet many received Him. In their new joy they said to the woman,
"Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." 
     The Samaritans believed that the Messiah was to come as the Redeemer, not only of the Jews, but of the world. The Holy Spirit through Moses had foretold Him as a prophet sent from God. Through Jacob it had been declared that unto Him should the gathering of the people be; and through Abraham, that in Him all the nations of the earth should be blessed. On these scriptures the people of Samaria based their faith in the Messiah. The fact that the Jews had misinterpreted the later prophets, attributing to the first advent the glory of Christ's second coming, had led the Samaritans to discard all the sacred writings except those given through Moses. But as the Saviour swept away these false interpretations, many accepted the later prophecies and the words of Christ Himself in regard to the kingdom of God. 
     Jesus had begun to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to the world. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of His nation. In face of their prejudices He accepted the hospitality of this despised people. He slept under their roofs, ate with them at their tables,--partaking of the food prepared and served by their hands,--taught in their streets, and treated them with the utmost kindness and courtesy. 
     In the temple at Jerusalem a low wall separated the outer court from all other portions of the sacred building. Upon this wall were inscriptions in different languages, stating that none but Jews were allowed to pass this boundary. Had a Gentile presumed to enter the inner enclosure, he would have desecrated the temple, and would have paid the penalty with his life. But Jesus, the originator of the temple and its service, drew the Gentiles to Him by the tie of human sympathy, while His divine grace brought to them the salvation which the Jews rejected. 
     The stay of Jesus in Samaria was designed to be a blessing to His disciples, who were still under the influence of Jewish bigotry. They felt that loyalty to their own nation required them to cherish enmity toward the Samaritans. They wondered at the conduct of Jesus. They could not refuse to follow His example, and during the two days in Samaria, fidelity to Him kept their prejudices under control; yet in heart they were unreconciled. They were slow to learn that their contempt and hatred must give place to pity and sympathy. But after the Lord's ascension, His lessons came back to them with a new meaning. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they recalled the Saviour's look, His words, the respect and tenderness of His bearing toward these despised strangers. When Peter went to preach in Samaria, he brought the same spirit into his own work. When John was called to Ephesus and Smyrna, he remembered the experience at Shechem, and was filled with gratitude to the divine Teacher, who, foreseeing the difficulties they must meet, had given them help in His own example.   
     The Saviour is still carrying forward the same work as when He proffered the water of life to the woman of Samaria. Those who call themselves His followers may despise and shun the outcast ones; but no circumstance of birth or nationality, no condition of life, can turn away His love from the children of men. To every soul, however sinful, Jesus says, If thou hadst asked of Me, I would have given thee living water.   
     The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down, and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all. Wherever hearts are open to receive the truth, Christ is ready to instruct them. He reveals to them the Father, and the worship acceptable to Him who reads the heart. For such He uses no parables. To them, as to the woman at the well, He says, "I that speak unto thee am He." 
     When Jesus sat down to rest at Jacob's well, He had come from Judea, where His ministry had produced little fruit. He had been rejected by the priests and rabbis, and even the people who professed to be His disciples had failed of perceiving His divine character. He was faint and weary; yet He did not neglect the opportunity of speaking to one woman, though she was a stranger, an alien from Israel, and living in open sin.   
     The Saviour did not wait for congregations to assemble. Often He began His lessons with only a few gathered about Him, but one by one the passers-by paused to listen, until a multitude heard with wonder and awe the words of God through the heaven-sent Teacher. The worker for Christ should not feel that he cannot speak with the same earnestness to a few hearers as to a larger company. There may be only one to hear the message; but who can tell how far-reaching will be its influence? It seemed a small matter, even to His disciples, for the Saviour to spend His time upon a woman of Samaria. But He reasoned more earnestly and eloquently with her than with kings, councilors, or high priests. The lessons He gave to that woman have been repeated to the earth's remotest bounds. 
     As soon as she had found the Saviour the Samaritan woman brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered. But through the woman whom they despised, a whole cityful were brought to hear the Saviour. She carried the light at once to her countrymen. 
     This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. 


END......
_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _____________________




This is the power of personal ministry.  I must continually endeavor to seek to drink from Him who has the living waters! What Joy these words would fill the dependents of Jesus.

More about Jesus would I know! More of His loving fullness see more of his love who died for me!

Many lessons from the well that cannot be exhausted! Imagine the saviour thirsting and the devil was right there telling Him how thirsty He was and how many angels were ready to draw for Him the water?, yet His whole being is simply devoted to doing his fathers will and He simply sits there and wait... For the Samaritan woman!? How often do we ask Gold to provide divine intervention when we can in reality employ our own humanity?
Jesus says that the hour cometh when we will no longer worship in our revered churches! Can we see this? It apples to us even more directly now. are we prejudiced against or fellow human kind? Have we endeavored to take the gospel boldly to them?

Jesus showed the way which we must follow.

[wigina]

Seventh day adventists are flocking to evangelical gatherings to see miracles performed! This is alarming and yet not so for the great physician so it happen and admonished them, the then adventists, "except ye see signs and wonders! Beware what spirit of healing you ascribe to. For these will be the downfall of many.
Watch says the Amen! The deception will be so close it will be real! The build up has started. Pope Francis is wooing the world like never before. The world is already wandering after the beast, will the miracle seekers be spared? Hold first to what you got! The Lord is a practical physician who gives healing to all in the same measure of belief.
Lord teach me to believe in you and you only. Let me not be wooed by seemingly miraculous deeds which you have not sanctioned. For I know that at this hour of great knowledge we have to test them by the word and by the spirit. Above all Lord give me to overcome all till that great day prophesied by Enoch.

[Richard Myers]

This is a wonderful chapter. There is much light in it. This one truth here, if accepted, will begin a revival in the church that will lead to the second coming of Christ.

In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.   

Amen!! Notice what many object to. Jesus will at the point of conversion (the new birth) purify the heart and renew the mind. This is what gives us a "willing obedience to all of His commandments."  In and of ourselves we can do no good thing, but when filled with His Spirit we will do all He asks of us. In order to continue to obey God's law, we must continue to be filled with His Spirit. We must be connected to Christ in order to do any good thing.

This is contrary to much of what is being preached from pulpits and printed on our presses. There is no reason to remain in a Laodicean condition. Christ has made ample provision for His church to manifest His character in the lives of its members.

[JimB]

    Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draft of the water of life would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee.

Here is a thought that some might object to maybe. I'm not sure if any of you have ever experienced this but have you ever run across someone who is always talking about the blessings of years gone by? At the beginning of their experience they were miraculously delivered from several bad habits. Every chance she/he gets they talk about this experience from 30, 40 years ago. After a while you've heard it 30 times. It is indeed a wonderful encouraging testimony but about todays blessings or maybe just last week? Here we find a passage that says we will constantly long for more. Our good Lord is willing to give us more and the more we receive the more we can give to others.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

I hear what you are saying, Jim. While many may reiterate their experience of being delivered from a life of sin/evil habits, are not the precious revelations of Jesus' love that we experience with Him infinitely greater? I see that Jesus is inviting us to recount to others the great things He is teaching us of His character! These will be ever fresh and new, and we will continually long for more!

I love how Jesus gives us the capacity to experience divine things: "In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God." {DA 189.2} I am so grateful that when this takes place, He fills us with all the fruits of the Spirit, so that not one will be missing!

I was contemplating last night about just what "everlasting life" really means--the greatest, deepest joy we find in fellowship with Christ and in winning souls to Him, in fellowship with our fellow believers and in seeing Christ work miracles of heart-change is but a foretaste of a heaven of bliss where the deepest joys, longings, and aspirations of the renewed heart will find highest pleasure! Hallelujah! Sabbath is a heavenly day--and like the woman at the well, I continually long for more, for a deeper draft of the divine life, the living water flowing from Christ by His Spirit.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Pastor Sean! "The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life." There is no greater blessing than receiving a fresh revelation of that grace. Then the next best blessing is being able to share it with someone who is open to see the loveliness of Jesus!! And as both you and Jim have pointed out, we may have a new revelation each day!!

[JimB]

The plain statement made by Christ to this woman could not have been made to the self-righteous Jews. Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them. That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her. Jesus saw that she would make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace.

There is so much in this chapter but this stood out to me this morning. Christ only reveals what we are ready to hear and can handle. Even Christ withheld knowledge from the disciples because they weren't ready. We also need to be careful when dealing with others how much and what to say. I know there have been times when I badly wanted to reveal something that I knew from SOP or from the Bible but I knew how it would be treated and I didn't want to close a mind prematurely.

I also realize there are times to speak the truth and let it cut without worrying about the consequences but when dealing with people one on one we need to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

The woman whom Jesus met reveals that Jesus can transform any life--no matter how sinful. The underlying need is for a soul to be receptive and open to Christ, to His leading by the Spirit!

This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. 

May we also become true missionaries because we have experienced true conversion, the renewing influence of the Holy Spirit!

[Richard Myers]

Amen and amen!!  Amazing grace! Blind eyes have been opened!! We were once blind and naked, but now we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and can see!!! Jesus is coming soon!!!

Jim, what a thought! We all need to understand. "Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them (God's chosen people).That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her. Jesus saw that she would make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace.

Are there things we need to withhold from church members that we can tell to some in the world? Absolutely. I do it all the time. Most church members do not want to know many things. And, so it is in the world. But, as with the Samaritan women, there are those seeking wisdom. Because Jesus did speak truth to the Jews, they put Him to death. We may find those in the church who are open, but we need to be very reserved, as was Jesus.

How do we know whom to share with, and when to share it? We are dependent upon the Holy Spirit's leading. He inspires His servants with the message and the timing. And without the Holy Spirit opening the eyes of the heart of the hearer, nothing would be understood. This is the light given to us in Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy. Pastor Sean shared this truth with us. "The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life."

Grace received not only makes the one who has received the grace, wanting to share it, but the Spirit will bring the giver and receiver together and open the heart of the seeker making him "eager to drink the water of life"(grace). We are wholly dependent upon Christ, through the Spirit, for our understanding of truth. He is the One who cleanses the heart and takes possession of it when we have received the grace. "If we have not His Spirit, we are none of His." Romans 8:9. Read the verse in context to better understand what is means to be "born of the Spirit".

Grace is everything to us. It is God's grace, His unmerited favor shown to us while we were yet sinners, that saves us. And we need a fresh supply each day! And, here we are receiving It! Praise our God!

[Richard Myers]

Again and again as we read through this most wonderful Book, we find the truth about what it means to be a Christian, a converted born again believer.

Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when He said, "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters

Yes, just as Jesus revealed to Nicodemus what one must be in order to enter heaven, so again we are told in such a simple manner what we must be if we want to glorify God and have peace in this world today. We must be born of the Spirit. And this means that the heart will be purified from sin, not at the end of life, but at conversion. And, not only the 144,000, but the thief on the cross and all who will make a full surrender of the heart. When we love Jesus with all of the heart, then we are converted. This is the greatest miracle God can perform! And it is only through grace this can take place.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Again and again as we read through this most wonderful Book, we find the truth about what it means to be a Christian, a converted born again believer.

Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when He said, "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters

Yes, just as Jesus revealed to Nicodemus what one must be in order to enter heaven, so again we are told in such a simple manner what we must be if we want to glorify God and have peace in this world today. We must be born of the Spirit. And this means that the heart will be purified from sin, not at the end of life, but at conversion. And, not only the 144,000, but the thief on the cross and all who will make a full surrender of the heart. When we love Jesus with all of the heart, then we are converted. This is the greatest miracle God can perform! And it is only through grace this can take place.

Amen! Amen Richard! I marvel at the unity of spirit here in our forum today! I was about to post and comment on the SAME EXACT QUOTE! It is so powerful that I WILL repeat it, because it is so beautiful and presents the truth of the everlasting gospel in such clearness, beauty, and simplicity!

Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when He said, "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.

As I reflect on this and its meaning for us today, it means that a full surrender to Christ will bring a pure heart and mind (a renewed character), and that the new being created in the image of God will be willing to obey all that God reveals!

Now I wanted to share another thought the Holy Spirit showed me this morning as I was reading this AMAZING chapter...and it is about John the disciple:

The stay of Jesus in Samaria was designed to be a blessing to His disciples, who were still under the influence of Jewish bigotry. They felt that loyalty to their own nation required them to cherish enmity toward the Samaritans. They wondered at the conduct of Jesus. They could not refuse to follow His example, and during the two days in Samaria, fidelity to Him kept their prejudices under control; yet in heart they were unreconciled. They were slow to learn that their contempt and hatred must give place to pity and sympathy. But after the Lord's ascension, His lessons came back to them with a new meaning. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they recalled the Saviour's look, His words, the respect and tenderness of His bearing toward these despised strangers. When Peter went to preach in Samaria, he brought the same spirit into his own work. When John was called to Ephesus and Smyrna, he remembered the experience at Shechem, and was filled with gratitude to the divine Teacher, who, foreseeing the difficulties they must meet, had given them help in His own example. 

Is it not significant that we have not only the blessing of realizing that the woman at the well and the people of Samaria were blessed, but that JESUS HAD IN VIEW the blessing of the gospel that His EXAMPLE would mean to His disciples! I picked out John because my mind was drawn to the fact that we KNOW the fruit of His labors by reading of these two churches in the Bible. If you ever want to read a powerful, amazing letter in the New Testament, read what the Apostle Paul was inspired to write to the church at Ephesus, in Ephesians. Such sublime truths--and we see that it is filled with encouragement--different from how Paul was deeply stirred by the problems in Galatia, for example. But apparently, in time, Ephesus lost sight of Jesus, and we see the following counsel given in Revelation 2:

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

John's ministry to Ephesus understandably led them at the first to be filled with the love of Jesus--but then Jesus through John would later give this message. There is a lesson here for us as well--it is not enough to start out well with Jesus--we need Him continually to abide in the heart, the evidence of whose abiding is that all of the fruits of the Spirit are seen in the life without one missing!

Then look at the church at Smyrna, another place where John ministered after he learned how Jesus freely ministered to those who were Gentiles:

Revelation 2
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

No reproof is uttered--only words of counsel and encouragement to endure in faithfulness. This church represents also the church that would face persecution--and the purity of their faith was a blessing of which the Lord could say they were "rich" (in faith working by love), which is a sharp contrast to the Laodicean church that receives not a single commendation:

Revelation 3
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

What a contrast! Smyrna, the church whose faith had a lot to do with John's faithful labors and ministry, was "rich," but Laodicea thinks that she is rich, but is so far from that! Both churches needed Jesus continually--Smyra learned the lesson, and Laodicea needs to learn the lesson!

In bringing these thoughts out today that go beyond the thoughts in the chapter we read, I have endeavored to share how POWERFUL it is when we minister to even one person by sharing the TRUE GOSPEL and allow the influence of that to reach others and still others. Let us be of good courage even if it seem that only a few are open to Christ and the message that calls for a full surrender of the heart so Christ can make us new in His image! God is SO SO GOOD!!!

[JimB]

The stay of Jesus in Samaria was designed to be a blessing to His disciples, who were still under the influence of Jewish bigotry. They felt that loyalty to their own nation required them to cherish enmity toward the Samaritans. They wondered at the conduct of Jesus. They could not refuse to follow His example, and during the two days in Samaria, fidelity to Him kept their prejudices under control; yet in heart they were unreconciled. They were slow to learn that their contempt and hatred must give place to pity and sympathy. But after the Lord's ascension, His lessons came back to them with a new meaning. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they recalled the Saviour's look, His words, the respect and tenderness of His bearing toward these despised strangers.

I realize that this is yet early in the ministry of Christ and the disciples had a lot to unlearn but it seems that Peter still struggled with this because Paul to rebuke him in Acts. Our Savior is indeed long suffering towards our (my) dull minds.

[colporteur]

It is interesting regarding Paul. If he were alive today as Saul we would write him off as a "terrorist." To have Christians dragged from their homes and stoned is terrorism. It is ISIS. However, God saw through this ISIS soldier and reached him to be a mighty soldier for God. We ought not write anyone off.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, cp.  No matter how far gone they appear, we cannot judge where the heart will be tomorrow. Saul was on his way to persecute the Christians when he ceased resisting the pricks upon his heart. It is the love of Jesus that the sinner sees manifested in the lives of those who love as Jesus loves that reveals the character of our Savior. It was this that led to the conversion of Saul.

Yes, Jim, Peter was not that far removed from his great sin of denying Jesus. But, his conversion and work for God placed him in a much different place than many of us are today. His sin that Paul reproved is little different from the sin of Moses at the end of his life, or the sin of Elijah, nor the sin of Job when he condemned God that he might be righteous (Job 40:8 ). Sin, no matter which one, comes about when our minds are no longer possessed by the Spirit of God. When Moses sinned, it was pride and anger. It is true that the character is changed. Moses did not kill anyone that day, but it was sin never the less. None of the fruits of the Spirit are in the life of one who separates from God, no matter how long they have been converted. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance are gone the moment we let go of Jesus. Moses nor we, will ever obtain the victory over pride and anger when we are not abiding in Christ. It is not a progressive work as many have been taught. What is progressive is the strength of character which we obtain when in Christ. God can allow more temptations to come as we develop a stronger character. It is also progressive in terms of what we know is sin.

I noticed in my reading this morning, something about the disciples you quoted. "They were slow to learn that their contempt and hatred must give place to pity and sympathy." They had no idea what the gospel was all about. They thought their hatred of the Samaritans was acceptable to God. Have we learned this lesson yet? Do we understand that evidence of conversion is seen when we love those who despitefully use us? Do we understand that his love comes to the baby Christian at the moment he gives his whole heart to Christ? God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. We will be given a new heart that loves our neighbor, even if a Samaritan. When James and John wanted to bring fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans, it made no difference that they did not understand the gospel, they did not have salvation when their hearts were not filled with love for their neighbor. This is something that we as a people need to learn. Ignorance of the truth does not excuse all sins. We may keep the wrong day, eat the wrong food, but we may not lack any of the fruits of the Spirit and retain eternal life. They all come when the Spirit takes possession of the heart. And, when He leaves the heart, he takes each one of the fruits with Him.

I was impressed also with the knowledge the Samaritans had regarding the truth about second coming of Christ. Why did they reject most of the Old Testament, the latter prophets. They only held as sacred the writings of Moses. Why? Because they understood the Jews to whom the oracles of God had been entrusted had perverted the teaching on the coming of Christ. 

     The Samaritans believed that the Messiah was to come as the Redeemer, not only of the Jews, but of the world. The Holy Spirit through Moses had foretold Him as a prophet sent from God. Through Jacob it had been declared that unto Him should the gathering of the people be; and through Abraham, that in Him all the nations of the earth should be blessed. On these scriptures the people of Samaria based their faith in the Messiah. The fact that the Jews had misinterpreted the later prophets, attributing to the first advent the glory of Christ's second coming, had led the Samaritans to discard all the sacred writings except those given through Moses. But as the Saviour swept away these false interpretations, many accepted the later prophecies and the words of Christ Himself in regard to the kingdom of God. 

Amazing! The Samaritans had it right. They understood this truth when even the disciples after being with Jesus for 3 1/2 years did not yet understand Jesus was not going to sit on an earthly throne. How is it today? Do we look upon those in Babylon as did the Jews look upon the Samaritans....when we do not yet understand the gospel ourselves? Is it possible there are more Babylonians who are converted and understand the foundation of our faith than many pastors in God's church? Could it be that the Laodicean condition really does apply to the church today? Could it be that the blind are leading the blind in the same manner Nicodemus and Saul were leading the Jews prior to their conversion? Israel is an ensample for those whom the end of the world is come upon. That ought to cause us pause to consider what could be.

Jesus stands at the door of many hearts, knocking. He offers the same "Living Water" that He offered to the woman at the well. Are we tired of the things of this world and ready to be refreshed as was the woman? Then, let us heed the counsel of the True Witness and buy of Him gold tried in the fire. We may obtain that if we will spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ. It is a promise. Read 2 Cor. 3:18.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Richard! The thoughts you brought out are so important for us to consider--for we need to realize that others who have had less light may have more honestly understood what little they had, like the Samaritans--even though they had mixed idolatry into their worship. Jesus reads the heart. He knows who is open to truth--and the woman of Samaria became a disciple in a matter of MINUTES! Many are going to come into God's church and learn in months what it took others years to learn--but the Holy Spirit can teach us more in a moment than we can learn in a lifetime if we do not have Jesus! We need Him!

     The Saviour is still carrying forward the same work as when He proffered the water of life to the woman of Samaria. Those who call themselves His followers may despise and shun the outcast ones; but no circumstance of birth or nationality, no condition of life, can turn away His love from the children of men. To every soul, however sinful, Jesus says, If thou hadst asked of Me, I would have given thee living water.    

Let us DRINK!

[JimB]

As soon as she had found the Saviour the Samaritan woman brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered. But through the woman whom they despised, a whole cityful were brought to hear the Saviour. She carried the light at once to her countrymen.

How often this is the case that we don't recognize there is a mission field surrounding us. We don't need to travel over seas to be a missionary. I'm not saying that God doesn't call some to travel, for indeed He does! But for the majority the mission field is much closer. For some the mission field might be in their own household. This can also prove to be some of the most rough mission field there is to plow. Maybe for others it is their work place or the organizations they belong to.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Jim. Our first work in within our own home. This applies to the minister also. Many families of ministers are neglected. Our neighbors and friends will see a radical difference between the truly converted Christian and the world. This will be attractive to those seeking peace and something better than the world has to offer. We have been counseled to heal the sick among us. The health message is to be the "right arm" of the gospel. We are to reveal our love for our neighbors and friend by ministering to their physical needs.

I love this chapter. The Samaritan woman was open to truth. There are so many lessons in how Jesus ministered to her. I especially like the object lesson of the "living water." If we will allow this living water to indwell our hearts, it will flow out to others. I also like the truth revealed that He did not speak in parables to this woman nor His disciples. And, there is the important truth that even though the Jews were shortly going to put Him to death, He told the woman at the well, "salvation is of the Jews." This is a "present truth" for God's church today. Many fail to understand that even a Laodicean church is God's and we are to understand what is so important about God's "organized church."

     When the temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt in the days of Ezra, the Samaritans wished to join the Jews in its erection. This privilege was refused them, and a bitter animosity sprang up between the two peoples. The Samaritans built a rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Here they worshiped in accordance with the Mosaic ritual, though they did not wholly renounce idolatry. But disasters attended them, their temple was destroyed by their enemies, and they seemed to be under a curse; yet they still clung to their traditions and their forms of worship. They would not acknowledge the temple at Jerusalem as the house of God, nor admit that the religion of the Jews was superior to their own.
     In answer to the woman, Jesus said, "Believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews."

Why would Jesus point the woman to the Jews who were plotting to kill Him, and why would the Jews not allow the Samaritans to help rebuild the temple?

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Jim! Our mission field starts in our home sphere, then it extends to our neighborhood, our village, town, or city, our county, our state, our country, and our world. A thought came to me even as I was sharing this--how even in heaven we will be given a wider sphere of ministry--not to convert souls from sin to righteousness, but to testify of what the grace of Christ has done in our lives! We will wing our flight to the worlds afar throughout the universe and give a story and song that will be an eternal testimony of God's grace and mercy. I am so so thankful for Jesus and His living water (grace) that imbues our souls with the divine nature!

And....Amen, Richard! There are a trove of lessons in how Jesus spoke and interacted with this Samaritan woman. We see the Seventh-day Adventist Church is in a Laodicean condition, but this is in no way to discourage us from sharing in a loving, tactful way that the truth for this time, the "present truth" has been entrusted to God's remnant church. Sacramento is named "Sacramento" because of the name of the river that runs through it, flowing out of it. Just as the city is named for the water flowing through it, so God's church will be recognized for the truth that flows through it, the truths entrusted to it from the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, even if some or many of those who profess to be Seventh-day Adventists do not put them into practice. But God can reach more souls with the living water who WILL PRACTICE the truth because it is SO PRECIOUS! Be not discouraged! God's church will go through in these trying times!

  Jesus did not immediately answer the question in regard to Himself, but with solemn earnestness He said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."   
     He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink only to thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something to supply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the world, "The Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul. 

People are dissatisfied in this world if they have not Christ--no matter how much they may think the temporal things satisfy. We need Jesus in the soul in order to have true satisfaction, and yet in beholding the loveliness and perfection of Him will we continually sense our deeper and deeper need that ONLY HE can supply!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean!

What is this living water that Jesus speaks of? Where can we find a well with this living water?

I believe that We have found a well from which we can drink daily! Are we not refreshed as we drink of this living water each day? And does it not become a well of Living Water springing up within us? What a blessing to be able to take to others this Living Water each day!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Richard! The living water is none other than the grace of Christ accessible to us by beholding His loveliness and brought to us by the Holy Spirit. Once we have surrendered our hearts and minds entirely to Him, we will long for nothing more than to have more of Jesus!

I love the repetition of the truth of the gospel that we see so clearly in our reading today:

Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when He said, "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.

Only when the heart and mind are renewed are we born from above. We are made partakers of the divine nature, and Christ keeps our flesh under. The evidence that Christ has all of the heart and all of the mind is that all of the fruits of the Spirit are seen in our lives without one missing. We will gladly follow in all of the light that is shining upon our life pathway, and we will gladly receive more from Jesus as He imparts to us by His Spirit!