Daily Devotional for September 12, 2016

John 4:25-30
The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.”

“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”

Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.

The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

There are several television shows now that feature “mediums” – people who claim they can talk to the spirits of our loved ones who have “passed over” and deliver messages to us. Skepticism abounds…but invariably, each “medium” is able to deliver information that at least seems so personal and tailored to us that no other living soul would know this.  We MUST be hearing from our departed friend or loved one.

Children love to role play – to pretend to be someone other than themselves.  And often, in order to be included in their game, they will say, “What’s the password?”  We have to provide the right word or clue in order for them to accept us.

I honestly don’t know if there are people who can communicate with the dead. And I will be the first to tell you that there have been several times when I have not known the proper “password” to be included in one of our kids’ games.  But when it comes to Jesus, neither of these vehicles are necessary.  And I am so glad, because I do NOT want to miss Him!

Do we really need so much proof?  Does Jesus have to appear to us like a psychic or medium and say, “You did ABC on this day” and “XYZ happened to you at some point in time!”?  Do we have to have signs and wonders or the presentation of stories and events about which no one else could possibly have knowledge in order to believe that Jesus really is with us?

How well do you know Jesus?  Do you readily recognize His presence in your daily living?  Are you fully aware of the Holy Spirit's existence within your heart? Have you invited Him to dwell there?  Do you need to gather friends, neighbors and relatives and examine physical “proof” in order to find Jesus in your life?  Or are you so attuned to His voice…the word of God…the Holy Spirit and how Jesus intricately orchestrates every second of your life that you KNOW that He is with you?

Just as importantly, do others see Jesus with you?  Do they readily recognize the presence of Jesus in everything from your facial expressions and body language to how you actually conduct the daily business of your life and treat each person you encounter?

Some of us have acknowledged Jesus, while others have walked right past Him.  Many are questioning His existence in some manner.  Jesus’ words to the woman at the well are equally true for you and me…we don’t have to wait any longer or look any further. He is HERE…Jesus is with us NOW - and for all eternity.  Do you see him?


©2016 Debbie Robus

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