Faith Gets God's Attention

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | March 15, 2024 | John 4:39-42

KEY VERSE:

So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. John 4:40 (NIV)

MESSAGE: In our previous devotionals, we noted Jesus' initial intention to journey from Judea to Galilee. However, He diverged unexpectedly through Samaria (John 4:3-4). There, he encountered a woman and engaged in a dialogue, demonstrating his willingness to reach out beyond conventional societal boundaries. Today's focal passage (John 4:39-42) reveals the powerful impact of this encounter. It highlights how faith, when genuine, can capture God's attention and bring about transformative change in individuals and entire communities. The Samaritans from the town where Jesus encountered the woman at the well believed in Him because of her testimony. Their faith was not based on seeing miracles or signs but on the testimony of one woman who had experienced Jesus' knowledge of her life. This faith was genuine and compelling, prompting the Samaritans to seek Jesus for themselves.

The Samaritans' faith got God's attention. When they came to Jesus and urged Him to stay with them, He responded to their faith and spent two days with them. Two whole days of staying in Samaria because He responded to the faith of the hungry Samaritans. Many more Samaritans became believers during this time as they heard Jesus's words and experienced His presence firsthand. Their faith opened the door for Jesus to reveal Himself to them in a deeper and more personal way.

This passage reminds us that faith is not merely a passive belief but an active response that moves the heart of God. Like the Samaritans, our faith gets God's attention when we believe in Jesus and earnestly seek Him. He responds to our faith by revealing Himself to us in ways that deepen our relationship with Him and transform our lives. As we trust in Jesus and seek Him with all our hearts, may our faith continually draw us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Savior of the world.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Our faith is the only thing that moves God to act in our every situation. God only responds to our faith so let us build our faith by hearing His word, to always have His attention.  But let us also know that He must test our faith to trust us. Faith that has not been tested cannot be trusted.

PRAYER:

Turn this Hymn into Prayer:  My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed I trust the ever-living one, His wounds for me shall plead I need no other argument, I need no other plea It is enough, that Jesus died And that He died for me.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: STAY

The Greek word used for "stay" in our Key Verse is ἔμεινεν (emeinen), which conveys the idea of dwelling or remaining in a particular place for a period of time.

Jesus' choice to stay in Sychar demonstrates His intentional ministry to the Samaritans, breaking cultural barriers and extending God's love and salvation to those who were often marginalized by the Jewish community. It also emphasizes Jesus' desire for personal connection and relationship-building with individuals, regardless of their background or social status.

Reflections:

In your own life, how can you emulate Jesus' example of staying or dwelling with others to minister to them and share the love and truth of God? How can you intentionally invest time and effort in building relationships with people who may be different from you, with the goal of sharing the message of Christ's love and salvation?