Diversity Diversion

Thursday, February 16, 2012 Posted by Sara

I met a man today who told me my whole life. And He’s a Jew.

Wait.

Please.

You must allow me to continue. He wasn’t like I thought they would be – the Jews. He was different. Kinder.

I had always grown up believing the Jews to be so hateful. That if one even stooped low enough to talk to me – a Samaritan AND a woman, I should expect a good scolding.

Of how we worship wrong.

Of how our bloodline was impure.

Of how we were a disgrace.

Of how we were different.

History had torn us apart, the Samaritans and the Jews, and set us as enemies.

But he did not scold. In fact, when I offered him a drink, he offered me living water- he told me I would not be thirsty again. He must know how I tire of my trips to the well.

He told me my whole life. But he did not mock me, though there is much to mock.

I took him for a prophet.

He said he was the Messiah.

Imagine that. The Messiah – at our well, asking ME for water?

He did not lecture or debate who was in the right or the wrong.

I think he just wanted to love me, really. Just love me right there, just as I was. He spoke words I still wonder about – I have this feeling, though, that He means to teach us how to be one again.

As we celebrate diversity this week, I am reminded of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Jesus boldly crosses cultural and social boundaries to minister to this woman – as always modeling the ministry of reconciliation. I am in awe today of how God’s Words continue to draw people from every tongue tribe and nation together. We celebrate with the Father our differences which display the glory (goodness) of God, and the truth that knits us all together.

"For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future."

Ephesians 4:4

Jesus' love knew no boundary. I pray that ours would do the same.