December 2 Joined with God

John 4:25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
 
HERE is a remarkable confession. The woman at the well in Sychar, Samaria is a known adulteress. Jesus had just spoken his knowledge of her sin. The village women do not associate with her. And as a Samaritan her physical ancestry combines Israel and pagan bloodlines. She likely has been taught and experienced a mixture of idol worship and God worship. Yet, she confesses, “I know the Messiah is coming.” She expressed a faithful expectation of a Messiah to come and “explain everything to us”. Yet, she disobeyed God’s laws. Why, then, are her words out of line with her life?
   That’s the age-old question, isn’t it? Some would condemn her as a hypocrite – speak the truth, live a lie. Others would quickly accuse her for allowing worldly passions to rule over her love for God. Others would say, “Why does it matter? God loves her anyway.” Such ready condemnation or complete tolerance seem to be our common responses to sin.
   This, though, is not God’s response. Yes, our righteous Lord does condemn our sins. But he first plainly teaches us his laws and commands. Our all-knowing Lord is fully aware our words and actions will not naturally align. That’s why he graciously has a way to join our words with his commands, our hearts with his heart.
   Yes, Holy Scripture makes plain God’s commands and his condemnation of the unrepentant sinner. There is no general tolerance for sin. That’s why he graciously, then, declares his way of forgiveness. Hear these words from the first sermon of Jesus’ church. When the crowd asked in Acts 2:37b “Brothers, what shall we do?” regarding their sin against God, “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”  (Acts 2:38) Know God’s commands. Know your sin. Repent. Confess. Align your life with your words.
   The Samaritan woman knew enough of God to expect the Messiah’s arrival. Still, her heart needed cleansing, so she could live as her mouth confessed. She would also need to fully understand came for her eternal soul.
   As Jesus’ disciples, do you confess Christ? Does your life demonstrate your words? How do you reveal sin to others? Do not readily condemn nor completely tolerate sin. Model God’s grace to first teach God’s commands, so people know sin. When they ask, “What shall I do?”, clearly speak of God’s forgiveness. Urge people to repent. Guide them to align their life with God’s Holy Word.
    
Prayer: Teach me, Lord, to “Be very careful, then, how (I) live – not as unwise but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15) Amen.