Needing
the Needy
Read John 4:4-26
A Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." (John 4:7)
Christ ministered to the woman at the well simply by asking her for water. No one else wanted anything from her, except the man who lived with her and exploited her.
We need those who need us -- they make our lives worth living. There is no void so profound as that present in the heart of the unneeded.
Christ came to the wedding at Cana as a guest to be served with food and drink (John 2:1-11). He ended up providing much more than He partook. So it is with those we serve--they bless us much more than we bless them.
I used to visit a nursing home. At first I went because I felt sorry for the residents, whom I thought must be lonely. Truly they did appreciate someone who showed them care and attention, who spent time and talked with them. But I soon found that I received through them much more than I gave -- for as we spent time together I too tasted the comfort of Christ, His compassion and His immense heart of love. I came to depend on those elderly residents as much as they depended on me -- and this was probably the greatest benefit they received through our friendship.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for those who depend upon us, for through them You nourish our spirits and quench our thirst for significance.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have given unto the very least among my brethren, you have given unto Me." (Matthew 26:40)
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