Nougat 9

Still slogging around with shame? Consider today’s Holy Nougat, there’s room for transformation.

“The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:9, 28-29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

She wasn’t a typical God-chaser. Jesus was the one who approached her; she had no clue about His identity. Yesterday we were reminded that God’s always drawing close to us and she is proof of that fact. For draw close He did. He, presenting as a Jew, asked her, a woman – in fact a Samaritan woman – was most unheard of. For the schism between Jews and Samaritans was both religious and cultural.

She was familiar with the historicity of both (reread her comments to Jesus throughout the exchange). Perhaps she wasn’t a trained theologian, but from her cultural perspective, she definitely knew that their encounter had scope for some spiritual significance. And so it was.

His approach was different and profound. In fact, there were times when Jesus’ spoke over her head. She neither walked away nor disengaged. That’s important, as it’s so easy to find reasons to walk away from uncomfortable personal questions. Especially ones that uncover the source of our shame and lays the soul bare. She could have fumed, told the stranger off; but her heart was engaged and she needed more.

Not entirely sure what the more was, but certain that her worst sin couldn’t meet the need; she engaged further. She was truly thirsty. And having had her thirst quenched, the God-chaser sought to engage (create) more God-chasers: she raced back to the place where her shame was most public with her invitation.

We might see this as insignificant, even say so what. But let’s remember: Moses found it challenging to return to Egypt; the rich guy in his perfection shuddered at having to share his wealth with the poor and walked away. It takes lots of guts and conviction. Like Zacchaeus, she faced her past. And in facing it, she found the strength to overcome the old.

Our deepest pain, our greatest shame is the starting point for God’s restoration – when we take that critical step to receive God’s Spirit. Because being a God-chaser offers freedom.

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May all we seek be found in Christ