[349 words]
In the text of John 4:6-42, we find a very interesting woman engaged in conversation with the Lord. By and by Jesus tells her to go get her husband and return, to which she replied, “I have no husband.” After Jesus tells her about her five previous marriages and subsequent living condition with a sixth man, she is astonished and goes to report these things to the townsfolk. We will not concern ourselves with the morals or lack thereof, of a woman who lived 2000 years ago. Our knowledge of her situation is at best limited and even careful discernment would not elevate us to a position whereby we might render judgment. Her judgment is not the point. To her credit, this woman was responsible for many people believing in Christ.
To be sure, God is quite capable of using both good and evil to bring His will to fruition and even the evil plans of men “somehow” still bring glory to his Son (Philippians 1:12-18). Here we have a sinful woman, vs. 18, of no great significance, who is manifesting a quality which saintly Christians try to maintain, sometimes with great difficulty, namely the zealous cry that “I have found the Christ.” Because of her zeal, which to her wouldn’t have seemed extraordinary, she brought many to the Lord. Because of her, Jesus didn’t just pass by.
I am told by many in meetings and literature and symposiums that the world doesn’t want conversion anymore. Perhaps. I am also told that the church is declining in numbers and effectiveness because of such change. If the church experiences decline it won’t be because Satan has overpowered God, it will be because good, decent, born-again Christians wouldn’t declare “I have found the Christ.” It is not a mathematical marvel that each member could take 12 full months, win one soul, and double the membership in one year. The marvel is why it doesn’t happen all the time. Let the church the world over contemplate the life and the response of the woman at the well.
Tim Turpin
Ware Branch church of Christ
Harrison,TN