The power of a changed life

By John Fischer

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)

 It would appear that Christ’s first convert, other than the disciples he called, was the Samaritan woman he met at the well of Jacob. Up until this time, Jesus had performed some miracles and healed a few people, but this is the story of a woman who was not sick or demon-possessed; she was just an ordinary sinner like any one of us. This is our story as much as it is anyone’s.

 The essence of this encounter is that Jesus knows everything about this woman’s past – her five husbands and current illicit relationship – and is offering her the living water of a new life. It’s a wonder that he was talking with her at all, with three strikes against her – a woman, a Samaritan, and a sinner. But Jesus not only talked to her, he gave her life significance. He noticed her, knew who she was, and knew what she needed.

 She was so taken by this encounter that she left her water jar – the reason she came to the well in the first place – and ran back to town to tell everyone about this incredible man she just met. But what is equally remarkable was that Jesus appeared to be taken by this encounter as well, for when the disciples returned from the town bringing him food, he responded that he has food to eat that they don’t know anything about (John 4:32). Could it be that Jesus was suddenly overwhelmed over what his love could do for a desperate human being – how it could lift a huge burden of sin and set someone free. It’s one thing to heal a body; it’s another thing to heal a soul.

 I think Jesus was overcome with joy and a passion for others who were lost – indeed, for the whole town. That’s why he responded to his disciples’ offer of food with: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. Do you think the work of harvesting will not begin until the summer ends four months from now? Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. … What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike?” (John 4:34-36)

 Jesus was a man on a mission, and I believe he got introduced to the power his message would have on people that day. There’s nothing to equal the power of a changed life, and there’s nothing that will change a life like God’s forgiving love. Once this has happened to you, you can’t sit still. You have to run and get all your friends. And once you experience what it can do for someone else, you’ll be beside yourself, too, just like Jesus.

 Lord, open our eyes to those who are ripe for your message today.