WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.820 Good morning. I'm Alistair Watson. Our reading this morning is John chapter 4 verses 1 to 42. 00:00:09.359 --> 00:00:16.940 Don't worry, you won't have to listen to me for all 42 verses. I'm just doing verses 1 to 15. 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:26.080 Peter McGregor will read verses 15 to 26 and Rachel McClatchy will read verses 27 to the end. 00:00:26.079 --> 00:00:34.539 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more 00:00:34.539 --> 00:00:40.219 disciples than John, although Jesus himself did not baptize but only his disciples, 00:00:41.060 --> 00:00:50.340 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee and he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:56.600 town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 00:00:57.640 --> 00:01:05.400 Jacob's well was there. So Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. 00:01:06.600 --> 00:01:12.439 It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:20.439 Jesus said to her, give me a drink. For his disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:30.159 The Samaritan woman said to him, how is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:36.479 a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 00:01:36.480 --> 00:01:45.579 Jesus answered her, if you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, 00:01:46.040 --> 00:01:51.100 give me a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. 00:01:52.260 --> 00:01:58.580 The woman said to him, sir, you have nothing to draw water with and the well is deep. 00:01:58.579 --> 00:02:07.920 Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:16.280 from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock. Jesus said to her, everyone who drinks of this 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:23.819 water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be 00:02:23.819 --> 00:02:30.819 thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water. 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:52.199 Jesus told her, go, call your husband and come back. I have no husband, she replied. 00:02:53.199 --> 00:02:56.079 Jesus said to her, you are right when you say you have no husband. 00:03:00.819 --> 00:03:05.819 Jesus said to her, you are right when you say you have no husband. 00:03:05.819 --> 00:03:10.259 I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:12.819 but you Jews claim that the place of the Father is not in him. 00:03:12.819 --> 00:03:23.719 You will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 00:03:24.879 --> 00:03:27.019 You Samaritans worship what you do not know. 00:03:27.020 --> 00:03:31.100 We worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 00:03:32.380 --> 00:03:37.240 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father 00:03:37.240 --> 00:03:42.360 in the spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. 00:03:43.700 --> 00:03:48.020 God is spirit and his worshippers must worship in the spirit and in truth. 00:03:48.840 --> 00:03:52.460 The woman said, I know that Messiah called Christ is coming. 00:03:52.460 --> 00:03:55.960 When he comes, he will explain everything to us. 00:03:56.879 --> 00:04:01.879 Then Jesus declared, I, the one speaking to you, I am he. 00:04:03.020 --> 00:04:05.159 Just then his disciples came back. 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:10.800 They marvelled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, what do you seek? 00:04:11.080 --> 00:04:12.540 Or why are you talking with her? 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:17.740 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 00:04:18.480 --> 00:04:21.819 Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. 00:04:22.519 --> 00:04:23.680 Can this be the Christ? 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:27.759 They went out of the town and were coming to him. 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:32.680 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging him, saying, Rabbi, eat. 00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:37.139 But he said to them, I have food to eat that you do not know about. 00:04:37.139 --> 00:04:42.219 So the disciples said to one another, has anyone brought him something to eat? 00:04:43.139 --> 00:04:48.719 Jesus said to them, my food is to do the will of him who sends me and to accomplish his work. 00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:53.519 Do you not say there are yet four months, then comes the harvest? 00:04:54.699 --> 00:05:00.180 Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest. 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:08.160 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, 00:05:08.680 --> 00:05:11.379 so that the soar and reaper may rejoice together. 00:05:12.740 --> 00:05:17.100 For he holds true, one sows and another reaps. 00:05:18.220 --> 00:05:20.920 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labour. 00:05:21.920 --> 00:05:24.579 Others have laboured, and you have entered into their labour. 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:30.459 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the women's testimony. 00:05:31.139 --> 00:05:32.879 He told me all that I ever did. 00:05:34.139 --> 00:05:37.919 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, 00:05:38.259 --> 00:05:39.579 and he stayed there two days. 00:05:40.959 --> 00:05:43.620 And many more believed because of his word. 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:48.879 They said to the women, it is no longer because of what you said that we believe, 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:54.579 for we have heard ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the saviour of the world. 00:05:56.719 --> 00:05:58.219 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:05:58.300 --> 00:05:59.040 My name is Alistair. 00:05:59.199 --> 00:06:02.219 I have the privilege of being the assistant pastor here at Brunsfield, 00:06:02.219 --> 00:06:08.920 and it is both my job and my joy to lead us through John chapter 4 this morning. 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:11.939 So if you do have a Bible, please keep it open at John 4. 00:06:12.019 --> 00:06:14.459 We're going to be diving in and out of the text. 00:06:14.879 --> 00:06:18.040 But before we do any of that, let's pray together. 00:06:18.040 --> 00:06:18.879 Let's pray. 00:06:20.520 --> 00:06:27.240 Heavenly Father, we ask that the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:29.720 would be pleasing to you this morning. 00:06:30.140 --> 00:06:33.900 In the name of Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer. 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:35.240 Amen. 00:06:36.580 --> 00:06:39.980 Now this may or it may not surprise you, 00:06:40.300 --> 00:06:45.540 but growing up, I wasn't the most popular or athletic of children. 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:51.160 So maybe you remember those times on the playground as all the children stood in a line 00:06:51.160 --> 00:06:55.920 and two captains chose the children they wanted to be on their team. 00:06:57.140 --> 00:07:05.480 Well, I was that little child who stood still as name after name after name was called out. 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:07.560 I couldn't run fast. 00:07:07.960 --> 00:07:09.560 I had two left feet. 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:15.060 I couldn't kick, throw, or catch to save my life. 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:17.600 And so I was picked last. 00:07:17.720 --> 00:07:23.900 Or I was that convenient odd number that sat on the sidelines and watched. 00:07:23.899 --> 00:07:28.179 But maybe for you it wasn't on the playground. 00:07:29.299 --> 00:07:31.039 Maybe it's at work. 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:34.959 Or maybe it's in your friends and family circles. 00:07:36.219 --> 00:07:42.599 Or maybe you've tuned in this morning because you don't know who you can turn to during this difficult time. 00:07:42.600 --> 00:07:49.000 We all know to some extent what it means to be on the fringes. 00:07:49.280 --> 00:07:51.740 To be a little bit of an outcast. 00:07:52.820 --> 00:07:56.160 An outcast is someone who is ignored. 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:58.520 Someone who's looked down on. 00:07:59.160 --> 00:08:02.200 Forgotten about by the majority of the world. 00:08:02.720 --> 00:08:06.200 And left to fend for themselves on the fringes of society. 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:13.899 Sadly, there are many different people and people groups who find themselves on the fringes. 00:08:14.159 --> 00:08:19.219 And who are wrongly treated as the unlovables of our world. 00:08:20.279 --> 00:08:21.980 Those with mental illnesses. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:25.719 Those who have addictions. 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:27.039 The homeless. 00:08:27.620 --> 00:08:30.199 Even people from different countries and cultures. 00:08:31.399 --> 00:08:35.919 We don't have to look very far in our world to find out that we're not actually as wrong. 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:38.879 We are. 00:08:40.180 --> 00:08:41.840 Many people are alone. 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:45.379 Feeling left out and on the fringes. 00:08:46.920 --> 00:08:50.940 Now, you're probably thinking, well, why on earth is he telling me all of this? 00:08:51.200 --> 00:08:53.940 I know what it feels like to be left out. 00:08:54.860 --> 00:08:57.360 I know what it feels like to be an outcast. 00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:01.220 Maybe that's how you're feeling this morning. 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:09.180 Well, I'm saying all of that because this morning we get to be flies on the wall. 00:09:09.779 --> 00:09:14.899 And listen in to the longest conversation Jesus had with one individual recorded. 00:09:15.660 --> 00:09:18.639 And it's a conversation with an outcast. 00:09:18.639 --> 00:09:25.340 This conversation shows how Jesus approaches those who are cast out. 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:27.439 And those who feel rejected. 00:09:28.819 --> 00:09:37.000 If Jesus were to visit Scotland today, we might be tempted to think that he would swing by Nicola Sturgeon's office for a chat. 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:41.259 Or hang out with the important officials of the government. 00:09:41.259 --> 00:09:51.460 Or maybe we'd be tempted to think that Jesus would be in the eloquent church halls, preaching to the religious elite up and down our land. 00:09:53.340 --> 00:09:59.299 But the reality is that if Jesus were to visit Edinburgh today, do you know where you'd find him? 00:10:00.159 --> 00:10:02.039 Sitting on the street with the homeless. 00:10:02.039 --> 00:10:05.779 Speaking to people in their pain. 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:09.639 Listening to those who feel alone and abandoned. 00:10:11.959 --> 00:10:15.120 And that is exactly what we see this morning in John chapter 4. 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:18.759 Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:26.039 She is not one of the religious elite like we saw Nicodemus was last week in John chapter 3. 00:10:26.939 --> 00:10:29.059 But she is a religious outcast. 00:10:29.059 --> 00:10:34.359 She is not one of the respected members of society. 00:10:35.179 --> 00:10:37.659 But she is someone who sits on the fringes. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:43.519 Maybe you think, well Jesus would never associate with people like that. 00:10:44.479 --> 00:10:47.739 Surely Jesus wouldn't go to the morally dubious. 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:52.779 Or approach a sinner who is clearly living contrary to God's law. 00:10:54.839 --> 00:10:58.639 Well friends, Jesus came for those very people. 00:10:59.059 --> 00:11:04.799 Jesus approaches this woman and talks to her about true satisfaction. 00:11:05.419 --> 00:11:07.339 And about true worship. 00:11:08.859 --> 00:11:11.500 This is a conversation we all need to listen to. 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:22.379 Because each of us either has been or currently is characterized by searching for satisfaction in life. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:28.460 And each of us needs to understand what exactly true worship is. 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:34.460 We need to meet Jesus just like this woman does in John chapter 4. 00:11:35.179 --> 00:11:38.860 So let's dive in and see what it is Jesus says to her. 00:11:38.860 --> 00:11:45.320 So the first thing Jesus talks about to this woman is true satisfaction. 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:47.639 True satisfaction. 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:52.019 In verse 4 we see Jesus goes through Samaria. 00:11:52.680 --> 00:11:58.960 And being tired, having walked all morning and in the heat of the midday, he is thirsty. 00:11:58.960 --> 00:12:05.320 And so he asks the Samaritan woman who he sees at the well for a drink in verse 7. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:10.019 Now we might look at this and think, well that's no big deal. 00:12:10.820 --> 00:12:11.860 He's thirsty. 00:12:12.400 --> 00:12:17.000 There's a woman at the well with the appropriate tools to get water. 00:12:17.560 --> 00:12:22.180 So surely it's not a big ask for a little bit of water. 00:12:22.179 --> 00:12:25.559 But oh how wrong we would be. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:32.279 In this conversation Jesus is reaching over multiple barriers to approach this woman. 00:12:33.219 --> 00:12:35.620 He's crossing a cultural barrier. 00:12:36.219 --> 00:12:38.099 Because this woman is an outcast. 00:12:38.839 --> 00:12:42.500 It is not seen as proper for Jesus to talk to her. 00:12:42.599 --> 00:12:45.959 And even more than that, Jesus is a Jew and she is a Samaritan. 00:12:46.459 --> 00:12:48.939 Those two people groups hated each other. 00:12:48.940 --> 00:12:53.340 He's also crossing a gender barrier. 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:58.880 Because in this culture no upright man would speak to a woman alone. 00:12:59.300 --> 00:13:03.500 Especially not one who is at the well during midday. 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:08.080 And he's also crossing a moral barrier. 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:13.780 Because in the eyes of society this woman is dubious. 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:16.960 And Jesus is a teacher of God. 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:20.519 And those two people groups do not mix. 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:26.420 We see the shock of the situation by the woman's response in verse 9. 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:29.060 She says to Jesus, but you are a Jew. 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:31.400 And I am a Samaritan woman. 00:13:31.660 --> 00:13:34.000 How can you ask me for a drink? 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:39.580 Jesus is breaking down these barriers. 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:45.780 And he is lovingly building bridges to this woman regardless of what culture says. 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:49.179 He is putting his own reputation on the line. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:52.439 Because this woman needs to hear what he has to say. 00:13:54.480 --> 00:13:56.879 This is how Jesus encounters people. 00:13:57.579 --> 00:13:59.019 He meets them where they are. 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:01.139 In their pain. 00:14:01.399 --> 00:14:02.679 In their suffering. 00:14:02.860 --> 00:14:03.879 In their questions. 00:14:04.079 --> 00:14:05.500 And in their doubts. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:09.799 Jesus approaches them. 00:14:11.960 --> 00:14:15.820 The reality is that he is never far from any one of us. 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.639 Irrespective of nationality. 00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:20.820 Irrespective of race. 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.620 Of gender. 00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:22.399 Of history. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:23.500 And of baggage. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:27.759 Jesus approaches people with love. 00:14:28.279 --> 00:14:29.320 And compassion. 00:14:30.039 --> 00:14:31.000 To teach. 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:32.919 And to save. 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:36.659 Jesus crossed those barriers. 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:40.620 Because this is the kind of person he came to spend time with. 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:45.200 This is exactly the kind of person he has come to rescue. 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:50.280 Jesus doesn't look at this lady and see a social outcast. 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:53.980 But he looks at this woman. 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:57.160 And he sees an image bearer of God. 00:14:57.920 --> 00:15:00.940 He sees someone who has worth. 00:15:01.640 --> 00:15:03.240 Someone who is valued. 00:15:05.540 --> 00:15:06.060 Friends. 00:15:06.140 --> 00:15:08.500 No matter how much of an outcast you may feel. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:13.059 No matter how much of a failure you may feel. 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:16.159 Or how much of a let down you think you are. 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:20.559 Jesus will always draw near to you. 00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:25.740 Jesus responds to this lady tenderly. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.539 And says in verse 10. 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:29.980 If you knew the gift of God. 00:15:30.580 --> 00:15:32.820 And who it is that asks you for a drink. 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:34.039 You would have asked him. 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:36.879 And he would have given you living water. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:41.779 Jesus is saying what this woman already knows. 00:15:42.919 --> 00:15:46.480 That the water in this well will quench her thirst for a short while. 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:48.740 But a few hours later. 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:50.440 She will thirst again. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:54.440 But Jesus stands before her. 00:15:54.539 --> 00:15:56.600 And is offering her living water. 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:58.480 That never runs out. 00:15:59.220 --> 00:16:01.679 And that is solely because of his identity. 00:16:01.679 --> 00:16:03.700 As the son of God. 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:07.600 Jesus knows everything about this woman. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:11.740 How her whole life has been characterized. 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:15.299 By the constant search for satisfaction. 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:19.019 She has been searching for love. 00:16:19.419 --> 00:16:21.240 But only met with disappointment. 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:22.440 After disappointment. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:25.059 She wants people to love her. 00:16:25.139 --> 00:16:26.639 She is looking for satisfaction. 00:16:26.919 --> 00:16:28.759 And so in verse 13. 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.700 Jesus says. 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:32.139 But everyone who drinks this water. 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:33.340 Will be thirsty again. 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:36.759 But whoever drinks the water I give them. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:38.200 Will never thirst. 00:16:39.300 --> 00:16:40.960 Indeed the water I give them. 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:43.940 Will become in them a spring of water. 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:46.240 Welling up to eternal life. 00:16:49.420 --> 00:16:53.379 Jesus isn't speaking about actual water here. 00:16:53.940 --> 00:16:55.860 He's speaking about satisfaction. 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:59.180 Imagine you're walking through the desert. 00:16:59.180 --> 00:17:00.379 In the middle of the day. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:03.580 With the sun beating down on you. 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:06.180 You would be absolutely parched. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:13.099 And so imagine you get that glass of fresh cold water. 00:17:13.099 --> 00:17:14.400 When you drink it. 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:16.620 You feel that satisfaction. 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:20.559 It is that feeling of satisfaction. 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:24.839 The desire and longing for that kind of satisfaction. 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:27.079 That has characterized this lady's life. 00:17:28.059 --> 00:17:29.240 But each time. 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.259 She's been left wanting. 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:35.159 And Jesus says to her. 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:38.000 That he can offer true satisfaction. 00:17:38.819 --> 00:17:41.419 He alone can offer true life. 00:17:42.179 --> 00:17:43.359 A life of real. 00:17:43.779 --> 00:17:45.099 And lasting joy. 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:47.179 That can only be found. 00:17:47.339 --> 00:17:48.940 If you are made right with God. 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:50.920 And living the way people were created. 00:17:51.140 --> 00:17:51.559 To live. 00:17:51.840 --> 00:17:53.080 In perfect harmony. 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:54.220 With him. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:58.019 And hearing the prospect. 00:17:58.660 --> 00:18:00.140 Of never thirsting again. 00:18:00.220 --> 00:18:02.320 And thinking that Jesus is talking about. 00:18:02.580 --> 00:18:03.340 Real water. 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:04.039 She says. 00:18:04.340 --> 00:18:05.400 In verse 15. 00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:07.880 Sir give me this water. 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.820 So that I won't get thirsty. 00:18:09.820 --> 00:18:11.299 And have to keep coming here. 00:18:11.380 --> 00:18:12.620 To draw water. 00:18:15.620 --> 00:18:17.539 But it appears in verse 16. 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:19.920 That Jesus suddenly changes the topic. 00:18:20.480 --> 00:18:24.019 And starts talking about this woman's history with men. 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:26.759 Why does he do that? 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:31.259 Well Jesus isn't actually changing the topic at all. 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:37.559 He's helping this woman see that her whole life is characterized by this search for satisfaction. 00:18:38.819 --> 00:18:41.799 That with every failed relationship. 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:44.240 That search just continued. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:45.500 And continued. 00:18:47.099 --> 00:18:48.680 Jesus says in verse 18. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:49.500 The fact is. 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:50.960 You've had five husbands. 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:54.200 And the man you have now is not your husband. 00:18:55.859 --> 00:18:59.639 Now Jesus isn't condemning or judging the lady. 00:19:00.299 --> 00:19:02.319 But he's lovingly pointing out. 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:05.279 That the theme tune of this lady's life is. 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:08.159 I can't get no satisfaction by the rolling stones. 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:10.160 I can't get no satisfaction. 00:19:11.040 --> 00:19:11.700 I try. 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:13.000 And I try. 00:19:13.400 --> 00:19:14.100 And I try. 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:16.580 I just can't get no satisfaction. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:20.500 She needs to know this. 00:19:20.600 --> 00:19:22.080 And be reminded of her life. 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:22.740 Because. 00:19:23.800 --> 00:19:27.040 It is only once we have come to an end of ourselves. 00:19:28.040 --> 00:19:31.500 That we're in the place to run to Jesus for everlasting life. 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:36.779 It is only once we give up and confess that all our efforts are pointless. 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:39.180 That our sin is too great. 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:40.960 Only then. 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:44.519 Are we willing and able to run to Jesus. 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:48.460 And take hold of the everlasting life that he offers. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:55.119 Jesus is saying she's been characterized. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:58.380 By searching for satisfaction. 00:19:58.380 --> 00:20:03.680 And she's been looking for that satisfaction and fulfillment in the arms of men. 00:20:05.060 --> 00:20:07.160 She's been looking for the right things. 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:08.140 Satisfaction. 00:20:09.080 --> 00:20:10.720 But in all the wrong places. 00:20:11.940 --> 00:20:12.500 But now. 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:16.400 The only person in the world who can offer her true satisfaction. 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:17.700 Stands before her. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:19.300 And offers her life. 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:23.420 Isn't that what we all do? 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:27.980 We try to find satisfaction in our jobs. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:30.259 In relationships. 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:31.900 Possessions. 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.519 Reputation. 00:20:33.920 --> 00:20:34.299 Sex. 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:35.960 Being liked by people. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:38.740 Having a good reputation. 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:42.099 But all those things will leave us wanting. 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:49.559 It's like we're trying to quench our thirst in a dust filled well. 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:51.579 Surrounded by a desert. 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:56.919 But Jesus stands and offers us true satisfaction. 00:20:57.139 --> 00:21:00.139 Which in comparison to the transient things of this world. 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:03.960 Is like the flowing waters of the Niagara Falls. 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:09.180 If you're tuning in this morning and you're not a Christian. 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:12.920 You need this life that Jesus offers this woman. 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:17.079 Friends you can go on searching for satisfaction in life. 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:20.440 But you will not find it. 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:24.080 All the things that you store up now. 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:26.240 Will be left behind once you are dead. 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:28.360 True satisfaction. 00:21:28.860 --> 00:21:31.460 Can only be found in Jesus Christ. 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.779 God in the flesh. 00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:37.080 Who came to save and restore sinful people like us. 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:38.620 To a holy God. 00:21:38.619 --> 00:21:39.619 God in the flesh. 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:40.619 God in the flesh. 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:41.299 God in the flesh. 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:44.299 I recently read the story of Stephen Lungu. 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:47.719 An African gang member turned Christian missionary. 00:21:48.739 --> 00:21:52.119 And one night he was planning on killing a bunch of Christians in a mission. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:55.179 And he sat down petrol bombs at the ready. 00:21:56.199 --> 00:21:57.919 But he heard the message of Jesus. 00:21:58.759 --> 00:22:00.719 And he repented and believed. 00:22:01.979 --> 00:22:03.759 And in the following weeks he was homeless. 00:22:04.659 --> 00:22:05.859 He had no money. 00:22:05.979 --> 00:22:07.759 He had no friends. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:11.740 And he slept under a bridge with nothing but his Bible. 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:14.539 He had nothing. 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:18.920 But he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:22.539 Because he knew that his entire past had been forgiven. 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:27.059 And he knew that the future that awaited him in the presence of God. 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.980 Was far, far greater. 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:32.160 Than all the treasures of this world combined. 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.720 Humanly speaking. 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.720 That sounds insane. 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.759 Humanly speaking. 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.759 Humanly speaking. 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:40.980 He had nothing in the world. 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.920 But true satisfaction. 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:46.619 Is only found in Jesus. 00:22:47.440 --> 00:22:50.180 True satisfaction is not found in stuff. 00:22:50.599 --> 00:22:53.279 You can have everything in the world. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.660 But if you don't have Jesus. 00:22:56.379 --> 00:22:57.660 Then you have nothing. 00:22:59.339 --> 00:23:01.379 True satisfaction is not in stuff. 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:02.380 It is only in Jesus. 00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:02.980 It is only in Jesus. 00:23:04.860 --> 00:23:06.380 Now how is this possible? 00:23:07.760 --> 00:23:11.440 Well because finding satisfaction in Jesus is life changing. 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:17.520 It means recognizing that our worth, our identity are found in him. 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:18.519 And if that is the case. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:21.139 And if that is the case. 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:24.180 Then we are freed from being preoccupied with ourselves. 00:23:25.139 --> 00:23:28.160 We are freed from the search for satisfaction. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:31.580 Because we are loved with an everlasting love. 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:34.420 And we are living the life of harmony. 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:37.259 With God that we were created to live. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:41.420 Jesus approaches this woman. 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:43.559 Who is seen as an outcast. 00:23:43.640 --> 00:23:45.420 And he speaks kindly to her. 00:23:46.420 --> 00:23:51.180 He tells her the reality of how her life is a constant search for satisfaction. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:56.480 Which always leads to disappointment after disappointment. 00:23:56.480 --> 00:24:00.960 And he tells her the true satisfaction can only be found in him. 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:05.360 Friends that is the message I am here to tell you this morning. 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:10.440 You can go through your whole life searching for satisfaction. 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.660 In the fleeting things of this world. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:15.480 But you will be left wanting. 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:19.480 Glenn Scrivener, an evangelist, says this. 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:21.819 And he sums it up wonderfully I think. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:25.460 He says we are thirsty souls chasing fullness. 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:27.019 In all the wrong places. 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:29.400 And when the wells run dry. 00:24:29.600 --> 00:24:32.279 We are left with a mouthful of dirt. 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:36.819 The only place. 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:40.440 Where you can find true and lasting satisfaction. 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.880 Is in Jesus Christ. 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:44.279 Who died and who rose again. 00:24:44.460 --> 00:24:47.140 So that you can have eternal life. 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:48.620 And be made right with God. 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.940 It doesn't matter what you have done. 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:54.519 It doesn't matter who you are. 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:56.879 Irrespective of age. 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:58.720 Of sex. 00:24:58.920 --> 00:24:59.859 Of nationality. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:00.559 Of race. 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:04.079 The offer of eternal life is yours to take hold of. 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:08.759 Will you repent and believe in Jesus Christ this morning? 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:13.799 You can have everything in the world. 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:16.339 But if you don't have Jesus. 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:18.539 Then you have nothing. 00:25:18.539 --> 00:25:22.240 The second thing we see in this passage. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:26.379 Is that Jesus is teaching this woman about true worship. 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:28.200 True worship. 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:32.980 So this lady has realized that Jesus is not just a normal man. 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:36.039 And she calls him a prophet in verse 19. 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:42.559 And what follows is a discussion on exactly where and how people should worship. 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:44.799 Should have worshipped God in those days. 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:47.899 But Jesus says in verse 21. 00:25:47.899 --> 00:25:53.000 That the day is coming where people will not worship God on one mountain or another. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:55.279 As the Jews and Samaritans did. 00:25:56.279 --> 00:25:59.059 But the time has now come Jesus says. 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.339 In verse 24. 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:02.680 For people to worship God. 00:26:02.919 --> 00:26:04.000 In the spirit. 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:05.759 And in truth. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:08.700 Meaning that the time is here. 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:12.200 Where the physical location of worship is irrelevant. 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:15.640 Because people's entire lives. 00:26:15.860 --> 00:26:18.620 Should be characterized and marked by. 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:22.539 A wholehearted worship of God. 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:26.640 That is the first mark of true worship. 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:30.600 That people worship God in the spirit and in truth. 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:35.519 True worship is living your whole life. 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:38.000 Dedicated to God. 00:26:38.080 --> 00:26:40.940 And having a living relationship with God. 00:26:40.940 --> 00:26:43.259 Which is only possible through Jesus Christ. 00:26:45.100 --> 00:26:46.660 And in verse 25. 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:49.860 The woman thinks that Jesus is speaking about the Messiah. 00:26:50.440 --> 00:26:53.320 The promised anointed one from the Old Testament. 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:57.100 Who would be sent by God to save his people. 00:26:59.279 --> 00:27:01.019 And how does Jesus respond? 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.799 Well in verse 26. 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.440 Jesus says. 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.860 I am the Messiah. 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:07.059 I am he. 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:10.440 The one you have been looking for. 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:12.720 The one you have been told about. 00:27:12.819 --> 00:27:15.000 The one who would bring about salvation. 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:16.799 And make you right with God. 00:27:17.379 --> 00:27:18.940 It is I Jesus says. 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:20.579 Look no further. 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:24.139 Jesus is revealing. 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:26.059 That he is God in the flesh. 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:27.259 He is not hinting at it. 00:27:27.559 --> 00:27:28.700 He is stating it. 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:29.319 He is saying it. 00:27:29.319 --> 00:27:29.420 He is. 00:27:29.420 --> 00:27:29.700 He is. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:30.700 He is. 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:33.259 And so he has revealed his true identity. 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:36.160 To a socially outcast. 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.240 Hurting woman. 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.380 Why? 00:27:41.120 --> 00:27:44.080 Because she needed to find eternal life. 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:46.200 She needed to be forgiven. 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:47.660 And made right with God. 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:52.279 And we would love to see how that conversation continued. 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:55.640 But the disciples return interrupting the discussion. 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:59.180 But look at verse 28. 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:02.340 Look at this woman's devotion. 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:05.240 Because she legs it back to town. 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:08.000 Running like the cartoon characters. 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:11.080 Where all you see are a cloud of dust left in her wake. 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:13.779 She drops her water jug. 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:15.200 And leaves it behind. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:17.920 Because she cannot hold it in for excitement. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:21.940 She has found the one that the whole world needs. 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:25.339 She has found the long awaited Messiah. 00:28:26.099 --> 00:28:29.399 The one who will make people right with God. 00:28:31.139 --> 00:28:33.119 She realizes who Jesus is. 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:37.119 And she cannot help but spread the good news about him. 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:42.940 Christians do we share that excitement. 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:44.240 For the good news of Jesus. 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:47.759 Or have we become numb. 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:53.140 This is another mark of true worship. 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:56.900 A deep desire to share Jesus with the world. 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:58.200 And then doing it. 00:28:59.360 --> 00:29:01.700 Christians aren't made right with God. 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:02.940 And saved by Jesus. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:04.180 To be good people. 00:29:04.620 --> 00:29:06.299 And create a holy huddle. 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.980 That meet on a Sunday morning. 00:29:08.360 --> 00:29:11.000 We are called and saved to go into the world. 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:13.220 To share the good news about Jesus. 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:14.980 And call people to repent. 00:29:15.519 --> 00:29:16.519 And believe. 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:18.539 To tell them about Jesus. 00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:24.559 And so all of a sudden this woman who was disregarded. 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:26.099 And seen as an outcast. 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:30.720 Is now spreading the greatest news that this town has ever heard. 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:34.819 And the whole town comes out to see. 00:29:35.339 --> 00:29:37.460 Who this man is. 00:29:38.799 --> 00:29:40.740 Could he really be the Christ? 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.960 The Messiah? 00:29:42.079 --> 00:29:42.920 The promised one? 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:49.140 Verse 39 says that many people in the town believed. 00:29:49.539 --> 00:29:51.740 Because of this lady's testimony. 00:29:52.600 --> 00:29:54.700 Friends that is evangelism right there. 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:56.900 We get excited about. 00:29:57.380 --> 00:29:58.460 We cherish. 00:29:58.640 --> 00:29:59.080 We love. 00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:00.440 We ooze the gospel. 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:04.440 That we cannot help but drop our water jugs. 00:30:04.539 --> 00:30:07.380 And run and tell people the good news about Jesus. 00:30:09.880 --> 00:30:12.360 And through that testimony people believe. 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:16.539 Not because of our works. 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:19.580 But simply because we point people to Jesus. 00:30:19.579 --> 00:30:25.480 The people of the town go to Jesus. 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:27.879 And he stays with them for two days. 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:32.759 And then look at what the people of the town say to this woman in verse 42. 00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:37.480 We no longer believe just because of what you said. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:39.939 Now we have heard for ourselves. 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:45.659 And we know that this man really is the savior of the world. 00:30:45.660 --> 00:30:51.940 Friends the power to change someone's life is not in our words. 00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:53.700 It is not in our actions. 00:30:54.560 --> 00:30:58.279 Salvation comes from people hearing the words of the Bible. 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:59.240 As God's word. 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:00.420 As God's story. 00:31:00.820 --> 00:31:02.120 Is proclaimed. 00:31:03.660 --> 00:31:07.820 As the identity of Jesus is held out to a watching world. 00:31:08.180 --> 00:31:09.000 People hear. 00:31:09.580 --> 00:31:10.680 Who Jesus is. 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:13.680 That he is the savior of the world. 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:19.440 And it is solely because he lived the life that we could never live. 00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:24.560 That he died the death that each and every one of us deserves. 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:26.360 And he rose from the dead. 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:28.180 Defeating sin. 00:31:28.900 --> 00:31:30.580 Defeating death itself. 00:31:31.580 --> 00:31:33.259 Meaning that sinners like you. 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:35.240 Like me. 00:31:36.120 --> 00:31:37.120 And like this woman. 00:31:38.400 --> 00:31:39.800 Can be redeemed. 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:41.640 Restored. 00:31:43.100 --> 00:31:44.840 And made right with God. 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:49.140 Jesus is the savior of the world. 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:51.920 And if you do not know him. 00:31:52.660 --> 00:31:56.779 Now is the time to repent and believe. 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:03.940 Jesus approaches this woman who is a social outcast. 00:32:04.820 --> 00:32:07.560 And he speaks kindly to her. 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:13.819 He tells her the reality of how her life has been a constant search for satisfaction. 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:18.119 That has always led to disappointment after disappointment. 00:32:19.339 --> 00:32:23.179 And he tells her that that satisfaction can only be found in him. 00:32:24.359 --> 00:32:26.419 Friends that's what I'm telling you this morning. 00:32:27.419 --> 00:32:29.419 That you can go through your whole life. 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:33.460 Searching for satisfaction in the fleeting things of this world. 00:32:33.460 --> 00:32:36.140 But you will always be left wanting. 00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:41.460 The only place where you can find true and lasting satisfaction. 00:32:42.079 --> 00:32:45.120 Is in Jesus Christ who died and rose again. 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:47.539 So that you can have eternal life. 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:49.500 And be made right with God. 00:32:49.500 --> 00:32:53.799 So that you can go from being an outcast. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:57.480 From being estranged from God. 00:32:58.440 --> 00:33:00.220 To being one of his children. 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.500 Will you repent. 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:05.859 And believe in Jesus this morning. 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:08.740 And take hold of that living water. 00:33:09.119 --> 00:33:11.019 That leads to eternal life. 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:13.940 Let's pray together. 00:33:18.019 --> 00:33:19.579 Father would you forgive us. 00:33:19.859 --> 00:33:22.139 For the times that our lives have been marked. 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:23.819 By a search for satisfaction. 00:33:24.059 --> 00:33:25.839 In the transient things of this world. 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:30.579 Lord we pray that you would give us the strength. 00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:32.700 Give us the understanding. 00:33:33.720 --> 00:33:36.799 That true satisfaction can only be found in you. 00:33:36.799 --> 00:33:39.879 And then Father help us. 00:33:41.079 --> 00:33:43.279 From that life of satisfaction. 00:33:43.539 --> 00:33:45.519 That life of everlasting joy. 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:48.740 Take the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:51.619 To a world that needs to hear about him so much. 00:33:52.419 --> 00:33:54.559 Help us drop our water jugs. 00:33:55.119 --> 00:33:58.000 Help us leave the things of this world behind. 00:33:58.779 --> 00:34:00.379 And seek first the kingdom. 00:34:01.059 --> 00:34:02.259 And all his righteousness. 00:34:03.259 --> 00:34:04.980 We ask this for your glory. 00:34:04.980 --> 00:34:07.599 And for the upbuilding of your kingdom. 00:34:08.219 --> 00:34:09.300 In Jesus name. 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:10.420 Amen. 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.659 Thank you so much Alistair. 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:16.480 Folks I trust that as God's word has gone forth today. 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:19.539 That we've all been challenged to stop. 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.900 And to think about our lives. 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:23.179 And the things that we are doing day to day. 00:34:24.300 --> 00:34:27.320 And if you get any questions about anything that's been said there. 00:34:27.420 --> 00:34:29.800 Then we'd love for you to get in touch with us. 00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:31.920 The usual address questions at Brunsfield. 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:33.159 That will come up on the screen. 00:34:33.159 --> 00:34:37.599 But one of the great things that we've been doing over the last number of weeks. 00:34:37.819 --> 00:34:40.099 Is hearing from different members of our congregation. 00:34:40.739 --> 00:34:42.579 About how they came to know Jesus. 00:34:43.259 --> 00:34:46.279 And about how they seek to live day to day for him. 00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:51.359 And maybe particularly thinking about taking the news of Jesus to the peoples of the world. 00:34:51.360 --> 00:34:53.940 I'm going to introduce us now to Dani. 00:34:54.200 --> 00:34:57.079 And Dani is going to tell us a little bit about her story. 00:34:57.220 --> 00:35:03.260 And also how she seeks to tell the people in her life about Jesus. 00:35:04.620 --> 00:35:05.460 Good morning. 00:35:05.700 --> 00:35:06.960 I hope you're all well. 00:35:07.180 --> 00:35:07.980 My name is Dani. 00:35:08.300 --> 00:35:10.599 And I'm just going to share a little testimony. 00:35:11.660 --> 00:35:14.180 The story starts pretty low. 00:35:14.300 --> 00:35:14.860 But it gets better. 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:15.820 So stick with me. 00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:18.300 When I was at university. 00:35:18.300 --> 00:35:22.680 I was harassed and stalked by somebody. 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:25.059 And I dealt with it pretty badly. 00:35:25.400 --> 00:35:29.240 I was just consumed by fear and shame. 00:35:29.860 --> 00:35:32.460 I found myself anxious all the time. 00:35:32.800 --> 00:35:33.900 I couldn't sleep. 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:36.100 I wasn't doing my university work. 00:35:36.099 --> 00:35:37.819 I didn't go to campus by myself. 00:35:38.699 --> 00:35:45.860 And even though I did have some amazing people around me to help and support and listen and care for me. 00:35:46.900 --> 00:35:52.299 There were still some days that I couldn't even make myself leave the house. 00:35:54.380 --> 00:35:57.699 My church family at the time were amazing. 00:35:58.159 --> 00:35:59.420 They sat with me. 00:35:59.519 --> 00:36:00.819 And they believed me. 00:36:00.820 --> 00:36:06.960 And they were really just proactive about making sure that everything got sorted out and that I was safe. 00:36:08.260 --> 00:36:16.860 And they consistently reminded me of biblical truths when my perspective was just clouded by anxiety. 00:36:18.220 --> 00:36:23.900 One of the key people who really stood with me at that time was an older lady in the church. 00:36:24.700 --> 00:36:28.620 That we would meet up for coffee and we would just talk and read the Bible together. 00:36:28.619 --> 00:36:34.019 And, you know, my church community had always been telling me, like, oh, you're not alone. 00:36:34.139 --> 00:36:35.579 You don't have to do this alone. 00:36:36.059 --> 00:36:38.659 And that lady was really just the living. 00:36:39.599 --> 00:36:40.819 She was living out that. 00:36:41.059 --> 00:36:46.839 And she, like, I could say anything to her and she would listen and we would talk about it. 00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:51.239 And one of the things she gave me was this poem. 00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:55.119 It's like a rewording of some Bible verses. 00:36:55.119 --> 00:36:58.420 And I still have it, like, all these years later. 00:36:59.279 --> 00:37:00.619 So I'll read it. 00:37:01.859 --> 00:37:02.639 It says, 00:37:02.639 --> 00:37:06.379 Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:08.500 I have called you by your name. 00:37:08.940 --> 00:37:09.719 You are mine. 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:13.379 When you walk through the waters, I will be with you. 00:37:13.739 --> 00:37:15.599 You will never sink below the waves. 00:37:16.359 --> 00:37:20.980 When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. 00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:26.559 When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. 00:37:26.559 --> 00:37:33.000 When you dwell in the exile of the stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. 00:37:33.299 --> 00:37:35.320 You are mine, oh, my child. 00:37:35.519 --> 00:37:39.259 I am your father and I love you with the perfect love. 00:37:39.260 --> 00:37:49.600 So, although I really appreciated and needed all of the, you know, the practical help, 00:37:50.000 --> 00:38:01.920 it was in Jesus that I learned forgiveness and trust and peace and the ability to let it go, 00:38:02.300 --> 00:38:04.400 let things go and move forward. 00:38:04.400 --> 00:38:10.039 So, fast forward a little bit, I did finish my university course. 00:38:10.660 --> 00:38:19.760 And as a graduate, I spent a little bit of time reaching out to women who had been trafficked and exploited and abused. 00:38:21.780 --> 00:38:26.139 And I'm not in any way comparing what happened to me with what happens to them 00:38:26.139 --> 00:38:34.339 because I don't have the words to explain the suffering and oppression that these women face pretty much daily. 00:38:35.699 --> 00:38:38.960 But you can see some of the patterns emerging, right? 00:38:39.039 --> 00:38:41.199 The shame and the guilt and the fear. 00:38:45.039 --> 00:38:50.199 Yeah, and like this internalization of I've been treated like I'm less than nothing, 00:38:50.359 --> 00:38:53.179 therefore I am less than nothing, that you just really believe that. 00:38:53.179 --> 00:38:59.359 And there are so many things we can do for people in these situations, 00:38:59.359 --> 00:39:06.859 things like just food and money, basics, professional training and healthcare and educating kids and counselling. 00:39:07.119 --> 00:39:11.059 And they're all such good, wonderful things and we should completely do them. 00:39:11.059 --> 00:39:28.079 But I have never seen such holistic healing, such freedom from past hurts and such open-hearted love in these people 00:39:28.079 --> 00:39:31.980 as when they have been healed and transformed by Jesus. 00:39:31.980 --> 00:39:40.480 And I feel like that's why we're still sharing our faith even in a pandemic. 00:39:40.820 --> 00:39:48.480 We've been surrounded by so much suffering and all you have to do is turn on the news, right? 00:39:48.559 --> 00:39:53.179 And you're like, there's so much hurt and pain and evil in the world. 00:39:53.179 --> 00:40:00.719 But we're still talking about Jesus because he's just like our sound hope. 00:40:01.980 --> 00:40:10.240 And it's not like we're selling people like, come join our cool club. 00:40:10.440 --> 00:40:17.740 We're trying to find the humility to say, I really needed Jesus and I need Jesus. 00:40:17.739 --> 00:40:23.019 Because, you know, I was lost and he saved me. 00:40:23.219 --> 00:40:25.659 I was broken and he restored me. 00:40:26.319 --> 00:40:29.219 I was hurting and he healed me. 00:40:30.259 --> 00:40:33.719 And then there's this invitation, like you want to find out about him too. 00:40:36.819 --> 00:40:37.679 Okay, I'm done. 00:40:37.679 --> 00:40:41.879 Thank you for listening to me and I hope your Sunday is lovely. 00:40:41.880 --> 00:41:11.860 Thank you.