Scripture for the day: Psalms 51:13
That I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners shall be converted to you.
Of all the miracles and healings done by Jesus, his interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4 touches me the most.
It’s in fact my favorite story, considering the woman was healed of a ” broken heart “- an ailment you rarely see on the surface.
As I was meditating on the scripture for the day (Psalms 51:3), the Holy Spirit led me to John 4 once again. I re-read the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, only to realize how beautifully it was connected to David’s repentance in Psalms 51!
When Grace Met Shame…
The woman already had five husbands and was living in adultery. Ashamed to be seen by other women, she chose the hottest hour of the day to get water from Jacob’s well.
And yet, when Jesus revealed his identity to her she rushed off to tell others about him! And what’s more many believed in Jesus because of her word. (John 4:39)
Do you know what’s even more interesting?
She was the first person to whom Jesus directly revealed his identity as the Messiah!! (John 4:26).
To think of it, even the pious Nicodemus didn’t get to hear those words! Though he questioned and sought insights into the Messiah’s identity, Jesus wouldn’t budge.
In contrast, Jesus re-routed his trip to Galilee to meet the Samaritan woman! (John 4:4) He made sure that he passed through Samaria for just her!
Do you see the spiritual principle at work here?
There is something about sin that draws the attention of God and makes us super-eligible for His grace.
Like a river that flows down to the lowest point, the grace of God flows into the gaping hole of human weakness and sins to restore and make it whole. What’s more, He would re-route His trip just to get to us!
Because We Are the Righteousness of God…
Paul understood this principle well, which is why he famously wrote,” where sin abounds, grace abounds much more!” (Romans 5:20)
So, do we now have the free license to sin? Nooo ! A thousand times, No!
Grace never condones sin, neither does it encourage the sinner to sin some more.
Instead, the grace of Christ empowers us to live from our new identity, an identity which the accuser of our brethren can never undo –
“We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ ” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
What’s common between David in Psalm 51 and the Samaritan woman in John 4?
Both of them tried to fill the void in their heart with human love/lust. But when they realized the need for salvation (Yeshua), they turned around and got lost in his embrace!
Hallelujah🙌🏼
So much so that their new identities as the righteousness of God in Christ, bore powerful testimonies, winning over many more souls to Him!!
Hallelujah!! 🙌🏼
Truly, His kindness leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)
Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me!
Have you sinned lately? In your words, thoughts or actions?
Don’t drop down into the hole of self-pity and get chained in the cycle of guilt and condemnation.
Like God said to John Bunyan, remember, your righteousness is in Heaven, far from all guilt and condemnation.
We are the righteousness of God in Christ and Christ in us is, indeed, our hope of eternal glory1! (Colossians 1:27)
Look to Him, rest in His love and be set free.
In Jesus name,
Amen!
P.S: Check out this awesome worship song by CityAlight that says it all!
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
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