“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and Who it is that is saying to you, “Give Me a drink,” you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10
Devotional Thought For The Day
The night was dark and cool, the “inn” was busy and full, and life was going on in its normal course when Jesus was born. Herod’s royal household was clueless, as were those in the homes of Jewish religious leaders and the Romans who governed the area. The Magi knew somewhat, and perhaps were already on their mysterious journey. The shepherds were made aware by angels, and they made a few others aware by their journey to Bethlehem and their repetition of the glorious good news. Mary and Joseph knew – angels had already spoken to them ahead of the birth. But most of the people living at the time remained unaware of “the gift of God” Who was born that night, and even throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, all too many remained intentional ignorant of Who He is.
As Jesus noted, those who remain ignorant of Who He is do not ask Him for what He came to give. Even among those who have received His gift of forgiveness and salvation by faith, many do not ask to receive the abundance of life that He seeks to give us. All of us falter and shrink back from the fullness of blessings that He promises to impart, preferring rather to stick with habit and the status quo, considering that we are far better than most. The spirit may be willing but the flesh remains weak. For the many, this evening is but a diversion from the normal dreary routine, and hopefully something that is at least somewhat pleasant. They will not visit a church of Jesus’ people or consider Who He is and what He offers them. Many who attend will also find it difficult or impossible to actually contemplate what the celebration is about, and will decline to ask Jesus for anything. I hope that you will hear His Word, rejoice in His presence, and receive the abundant blessings that He still imparts to His people of faith.
The shepherds believed and responded properly – they believed the Word of God, came to Jesus, rejoiced in Him, praised and glorified God, and told everyone what they had seen and heard. Mary saw and responded properly – she pondered all these things in her heart. The woman Jesus spoke to, in spite of the horrid misery that sin had reduced her to, ultimately did ask Jesus for “living water” and responded positively to His painful call for repentance and with faith. All of these received the peace and joy of knowing God’s good will toward us, the wonder of God’s love in sending His own beloved Son as our Savior, Christ the Lord. These all asked and received the joy of eternal life and salvation through faith in Jesus. I wish we could have known more about the impact of their encounter with Jesus on the rest of their lives, but I guess we can surmise it from the history of our own lives.
This night, tomorrow, and each time God’s people gather for worship, we are privileged to witness and participate in the special, gracious presence of Jesus [in accord with His promises], to receive forgiveness, strengthening of faith, His wisdom, and transformation through His love, and to praise and glorify God with His people and His heavenly host, and to speak to one another of His wondrous salvation. We are privileged to hear God’s pronouncement, and go to Jesus, and see His blessings. We are blessed to ponder the wonders of His love. We are blessed to receive living water from Jesus – His Word and promises, and also the blessed sacramental gift of His body and blood and with it His forgiveness. A little Christmas is in each worship service – good tidings of great joy – to take with us as we go back to our homes, our fields, our daily life. All of this comes to us if we know Him Who speaks to us and invites us to ask of Him, and Who gives us living water! A blessed and merry Christmas to all of you – one filled with the blessings of Christ the Lord!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, we know how eagerly You will to come to us and bless us, and how much You will for us to receive fullness of blessings and abundant life from You. Grant all of this to us through Your precious Word and Sacrament; make us willing to drink more deeply of Your living water. Fill the earth with the knowledge of Your glory, Your glorious love for all. May the fruit of Your peace and joy touch hearts and transform lives, that more people may know the joy of Your salvation. Amen.