John 4:25 - A new president is coming to office in the U.S. in a couple weeks. The new administration promises change, but speculation about what this will mean for the country and the world will not end with the inaugural address. Unexpected challenges and uncontrollable forces will come and alter the best-intended plans. This uncertainty has led many people to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. They will wait and see what happens after this new president takes over before getting into a discussion about what it means for our future.
The Samaritan woman at the well told Jesus that she would wait and see. She understood Samaritans had different opinions than Jews, and she was not looking for a theological debate with Rabbi Jesus. Instead, she said she would wait and see what would happen when the Messiah comes. There was no need to speculate. "When He comes, He will tell us all things," she said. Then Jesus told her, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26). The Messiah had come. Her wait was over.
Neither do we have to wait and see. The Messiah has come. We do not have to speculate. We are not left in uncertainty. We have the clear message of Jesus, the Messiah, who has come and will come again. Jesus did not speak like an incoming president facing unexpected challenges and uncontrollable forces. He spoke as the one who overcame all challenges and controlled all forces, as He demonstrated in His life, death, and resurrection. This is not simply a new administration trying to make a difference. This is the Creator of the universe who came to restore things to the way they were intended to be. And we are not simply hoping He can pull it off. He has pulled it off. We celebrate with the woman at the well because the Messiah has come as promised. God has revealed Himself to us and assured us of His love for us. Our future is secure in Him; the one who holds the future will come again.
THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus who is called Christ, thank You for coming to us in the midst of our sins and taking them away. Thank You for coming in the midst of our uncertainties and revealing the certainty of Your love for us. Please come again and restore things to the way You intended them to be. Amen.
Written by Pastor Brad Thomas
Lutheran Senior Services
St. Louis, Missouri
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