ListenDaily – 10 November 2010: Closing the deal
Hello friends,
Today we continue our discussion about how we share Jesus with others, while looking at one way Jesus did it. Please -- please -- remember, this is not about a formula, where we would try to copy a specific sequence or specific words. This is simply a look at one event, and to see how we could look for similarities in our world, and try to act in a similar manner, in a similar situation. It is also to see just how ordinary the situation was, and how something extraordinary came out of it.
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:9-10
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Reflecting on yesterday's reading, we saw that Jesus stopped to get a drink of water, at a place that was on His way, and he began a polite, kind conversation.
What do we see in this passage? We see that once she was gently engaged, this woman continued the conversation, with an objection and a question. Jesus saw and seized this opportunity to share something amazing, and then waited for her response. “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
What might happen if we were in a similar situation, and if we had followed the principles from yesterday's reading (been constantly in prayer, spoke kindly, and were not pushy) and then, after the other person engages in the conversation, we told them something amazing -- then stopped?
Well, as many people as you might meet, there are that many possibilities. Some might not engage with you. Some might ignore you. Some might respond...
We must trust the Scriptures and trust the work the Spirit is doing. Trust that the Holy Spirit has been wooing this other person since birth, and wants to help you talk to them. Trust that "one plants, one waters, but only God makes it grow".
We don't have to 'close the deal'.
Think about it.
More tomorrow!
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Questions:
1. Will you ask God, right now, for an opportunity to share Jesus today?
2. Does this make you anxious or nervous?
3. Are you willing to try?
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May we trust God to do His work. Jim
INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument." Philip Yancey
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