Going to the Source

Personal Reflections and Spiritual Drought Feeling of spiritual drought and unmet expectations. Experiencing a period where things are not going as desired. Feeling “down and out” about recent events. Scriptural Reading: John 4:1-26 Jesus’ Journey to Samaria Jesus left Judea after the Pharisees heard He was baptizing more disciples than John. Jesus went to Galilee, passing through Samaria. He arrived at Sychar, near Jacob’s well, around the sixth hour and rested. Encounter with the Samaritan Woman A woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. The woman questioned Jesus because Jews typically do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus told her that if she knew who He was, she would ask Him for living water. Discussion about Living Water The woman questioned how Jesus could provide water since He had nothing to draw with and the well was deep. Jesus explained that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again; it will become a spring of everlasting life. The woman asked for this water so she wouldn’t have to keep coming to the well. Revelation of the Woman’s Past Jesus told her to call her husband, and she admitted she had no husband. Jesus revealed that she had five husbands, and the man she was currently with was not her husband. The woman recognized Jesus as a prophet. Debate on Worship The woman mentioned that her ancestors worshiped on a mountain, while Jews worshiped in Jerusalem. Jesus said that the time was coming when people would worship the Father neither on the mountain nor in Jerusalem. True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such worshipers. Identification as the Messiah The woman stated that she knew the Messiah was coming and would explain everything. Jesus declared, “I that speak unto thee am He.” Impact on the Disciples and the City The disciples were surprised to see Jesus talking with a woman. The woman left her water pot and went into the city, telling the men to come and see a man who knew everything she had ever done, suggesting He might be the Christ. The people left the city to see Jesus. Going to the Source The woman at the well encountered more than she expected. She found Jesus resting at the well. Jesus asked her for a drink, despite the social norms. God’s Awareness and Intervention Just as God saw Brother Briley as a “lost boy” in church, He saw the woman’s need. Brother Briley felt destined for hell despite not having committed significant sins. God saved Brother Briley in a church in Campbell, North Carolina. The woman was not looking for Jesus, but He found her at the well. Jesus offered her living water, highlighting the gift of God. Understanding the Samaritans The Samaritans were idolaters who did not serve the living Father. The woman did not initially recognize Jesus as anything more than an ordinary man. If she had known who He was, she would have asked for living water. Personal Struggles and Divine Purpose Feeling like giving up and questioning God’s purpose. The “fountain of living water” springing up from within. Saved and transformed, with a desire to thank God eternally. Actions and expressions are driven by God’s presence within. The Gift of Living Water Experiencing a taste of living water at a young age. Coming to the source (Jesus) is all that is needed. A burden for lost people, whether nearby or elsewhere. The Sprinkling of Living Water The living water within should be shared with others. Like a sprinkler, the water should be planted around others. Others may notice and ask about the source of happiness. Inner Happiness Despite Circumstances Not always outwardly happy, but possessing an inner joy. Something inside that motivates to press on and continue traditions. The Next Generation Younger generations must carry on the testimonies of older believers. Information and guidance should come from the source (the Lord). The Promise of Never-Ending Thirst Quenched Physical water only quenches thirst temporarily. The water Jesus gives becomes a spring of everlasting life. Personal Calling and Resistance Feeling called to preach since the age of 15. Encouraged by preachers but initially resisted the calling. At 16, obtaining a driver’s license and feeling invincible, leading to worldly pursuits. Eventually, acknowledging the calling but feeling inadequate. Running from God Preachers advise running from the calling as long as possible. Engaging in worldly activities to avoid the calling. Attending parties, drinking, and trying to escape God’s purpose. Divine Intervention and Surrender God intervened at a party, leading to a moment of realization. Dropping a beer bottle and crying out to God on a front porch. Promising to attend a youth camp in Camden, North Carolina, if allowed to return. Youth Camp Experience Attending a youth group meeting in a barn. A message about obeying God resonated deeply. Walking in “torn up, wretched,” and sitting in the back. Breaking loose and running to the altar, surrendering to God. Declaring willingness and availability to serve. God’s Knowledge and Plan God had His eyes on Brother Briley, just as He did on the woman at the well. God knew Brother Briley would surrender and attend the youth camp. God had a specific message prepared, just as He knew what to tell the woman at the well. All that was needed was to go to the source. Worship in Spirit and Truth God has never failed since getting a hold of Brother Briley. Even when feeling lost, God is always on the way. When feeling like giving up, God shows up with the right words. God’s Constant Presence Experiencing moments of divine connection, such as hearing a meaningful song on the radio. Feeling like shouting and praising God while driving. God’s presence is felt even when alone. Realizing God has been present all along. Believing God watched every step of the woman’s journey to the well. God’s Understanding and Provision God knows what individuals are going through and where they are. God is the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley. In valleys, one can climb the highest hill because God knows every step. Gratitude for Salvation Thankful that Jesus became sin so that others might be free. Grateful for the sacrifice on the cross. Acknowledging personal responsibility for Jesus’ suffering. Jesus’ forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The ground quaked, and the sky darkened, signifying “It is finished.” The Woman’s Transformation Belief that the woman came to life after drinking the living water. Jesus’ declaration: “I that speak unto thee am He.” Jesus is always present, even when one is driving down the road. Jesus is the one who died on Calvary, found Brother Briley in church, and sees everyone on the street. Jesus is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The Woman’s Testimony The woman left her water pot and went into the city to share her experience. She told the men about a man who knew everything she had ever done, suggesting He might be the Christ. Having received the living water, she no longer needed the water pot. She went straight to the source and got what she needed. The Lord’s Knowledge and Provision The Lord knew what the woman was looking for and what she needed. The one she was with was not her husband. She drowned in the living water and no longer needed the old water. Analogy of Thirst and Relief Like being extremely thirsty and finding relief in cold water. The woman found relief at the well. Just as Brother Briley no longer needs the world, the woman no longer needed the water pot. Critique of Misguided Preachers Some preachers are misguiding people. Desire for a preacher who preaches “heaven, sin, and hell hot.” A God-called preacher preaches on hell. Criticism of preachers who charge high fees to enter their churches. The living water is free; all one has to do is accept it. Call to Action Encouragement to come to the source and get things fixed up. Stop relying on oneself and put God first. Go to the source and see where it leads.