December 8 Mission Accomplished

John 4:39-42 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
 
JESUS is recorded to say in Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” This account of Jesus with the woman at the well in Sychar, Samaria is one glorious picture of Jesus’ seeking, saving mission accomplished.
   He entered Sychar that day on his way to Galilee, where he will do most of his earthly ministry. But before he went to his earthly home region, he entered this foreign land. God’s people Israel had separated from each other to form the two nations Israel (Samaria) and Judea. Then Israel separated from God. The people of God’s promise living in a promised land had turned from their benevolent God. Kings who did evil in the sight of the Lord led Israel into ruin, exile and total separation from God – almost.
   But then Jesus, the Son of God, entered Sychar, Samaria. The Good Shepherd went that day to find some of his lost sheep – his children of Israel. The glory of the Lord God entered Sychar to declare he had come to save his people.
   In God’s power, the lost rushed to the Shepherd. First, the lone woman at the well heard the Christ. The Spirit stirred her spirit. She then exclaimed wonder at his testimony of her life. Excitedly she ran to her village to testify of her experience with the Messiah. Her testimony stirred other lost, thirsty hearts. The separated Samaritans heard Jesus’ saving words for themselves. In faith they proclaimed, “Jesus is the savior of the world.”
   No longer was he just the Messiah to come only to Samaria or even to the Jews. Now these wayward souls have heard and seen the Truth. He is the God of Israel, the Way to eternal life, come to declare Psalm 46:2 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
   God’s kingdom had come; God’s will had been done on earth. He welcomed them to hear and learn his word available to all: Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” And the Lord pointed them to the true sanctuary, “the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (Psalms 46:4b)
   This is the beginning of Jesus’ saving ministry. His work continues to this day. Have you rushed to meet him and learn from him? Have you welcomed him into your life? Do you proclaim Jesus “really is the Savior of the world”?
   I pray his mission to seek and to save the lost is accomplished in you.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for seeking and saving me. I pray you seek and save those I love who do not know you. Amen.