The Bible in One Year: Psalm 146-147/1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Today’s Reading: John 4:7-14, 39-42: There is neither Jew nor Gentile,
neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are ALL one is
Christ Jesus. ~Galatians 1:28
Building Bridges
In our neighborhood, high concrete walls surround our homes;
many of these walls are enhanced with electric barbed wires lining the top. The
purpose? To ward off robbers.
Frequent power outages are also a problem in our community. These
outages render the front gate-bell useless. Because of the wall, a visitor may
be kept out in the scorching sun or torrential rain during these outages. Yet even
when the gate-bell works, to admit the visitor might depend on whom they are. Our
fence-walls serve a good purpose, but they can become walls of discrimination—even
when the visitor is obviously not an intruder.
The Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well had a similar
difficulty with discrimination. The Jews had nothing to do with the Samaritans.
When Jesus asked her for a drink, she said, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan
woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9) As she began to open up to
Jesus, she had a life-changing experience that positively affected er and her
neighbors (vv. 39-42) Jesus became the bridge that broke the wall of hostility
and favoritism.
The lure to discriminate is real, and we need to identify it
in our lives. a Jesus showed us, we can reach out to ALL people regardless of
nationality, social status, or reputation. He came to build bridges! ~Lawrence Darman
Lord, thank You for
teaching me not to discrimination among people. Help me to see people through
Your eyes so that I may honor You.
Jesus breaks down the
walls of discrimination!
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