WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:23-24

These scriptures are from the story of the Woman at the Well. As a refresher, you can read John 4:1-42. Jesus spoke with this Samaritan woman concerning perhaps the most painful area of her life. Since He does nothing by chance, Jesus purposely chose to confront that specific part of her life:

Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband.' For you have had five husbands, and the one whom you have is not your husband; in that you truly spoke." The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet" (vv. 16-19).

For Jesus to target her sore spot, we can surmise that sensitivities need not be avoided. In fact, it's where very profound and effective ministry can take place. When led by the Spirit, why beat around the bush? Jesus ministered to this woman respectfully, continuing on as she responded honestly. Being open and real to the Lord is "worship in spirit" because it comes from the most secret, inward parts of ourselves. "Worship in truth" is simply being truthful. Genuine and transparent devotion is what the Lord finds acceptable – it's a living sacrifice. Sincere answers drawn out from our well are a refreshment to Him, and opens us to receive His living water. As we partake, it quenches the endless, nagging thirst of this world becoming a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life (v. 14).

Remarkably, this desert exchange was satiating to both the receiver and Giver with more than enough overflow to sweep a city. The limited vessel the Samaritan woman once owned, once was, is left behind; she's become a fetcher of men now… in the right way! Lol…

The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" Then they went out of the city and came to Him. In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know…My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (vv. 28-32, 34).

FYI: Scholars say the first time Jesus openly declared Himself Christ was to this Samaritan woman!

The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He" (vv. 25-26).

What impact, what transformation comes from worshipful encounters with Jesus. Connecting in spirit and truth gets right to the very heart and root of our lives for radical, resounding change. Again, how refreshing! …whether for just one person, an entire city, or both together at once.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world" (vv. 39-42).

  - Elese