In a Mirror Dimly

Scripture

John 4:39-42

39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.

Observation

Our goal in testifying about our encounter with Jesus is to lead others to encounter Him.

Application

There is no substitute for experiencing something personally over just hearing about it or seeing it from a distance. This past summer I had the opportunity to travel with some friends to London, Paris and Switzerland. It truly was a trip of a lifetime. I had many highlight experiences on that vacation, but one was attending a church service in Westminster Abbey. I’ve heard of it and seen it on tv, but to actually sit in a pew myself to drink in the beauty was completely different. I was able to listen with my own ears the enchanting sounds of the choir voices echoing off the vaulted ceiling of the thousand year old structure. It felt like a small taste of heaven on earth. Some people are good at describing things with words. They can paint a picture and make you feel like you are standing there. But even with the greatest skill, words and still pictures or no match for hearing with your own ears and seeing with your own eyes.

If a great cathedral can’t really be captured with words and cameras, how much greater is the disparity when talking about meeting the God of the universe? How much more there is to explore when considering our Lord has a mind, will and emotions. Our own experiences of Him should be what fuels us to speak so that others will be curious to come and see for themselves. And if they are curious, where will they find him? To be sure, the Lord can be found in the things He has created. The heavens declare the glory of God. But there is a special revelation of Him. The testimony of the Word made flesh is recorded under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the pages of the Bible. These are not mere words on a page. This is the revelation of the mind, will and emotions of the Lord. How precious is the word of God. The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.

Prayer

Father, our desire is for others to meet you and see you for themselves. As we leave today for Quito, we ask you to magnify your great name through this team. Give us many opportunities to speak of you and show by our actions what you’re like. Today we are trusting that you have many people in the city of Quito. Your Word accomplishes what you send it to do. Be pleased to bring people to yourself to taste and see that you are good.