The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 reveals deep theological truths about salvation, worship, and the universal reach of Christ's message. The setting is rich with historical and cultural significance, as Jesus engages with a woman from Samaria—a region with a history of religious and ethnic division from the Jews. As their conversation unfolds, the woman points to Mount Gerizim, a site revered by the Samaritans as the place where their ancestors worshiped. Jesus, however, shifts the focus away from the physicality of worship to its spiritual essence, teaching that true worship surpasses location and is rooted in spirit and truth.
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According to Samaritan tradition, Mount Gerizim was not just a significant religious landmark but was also considered the biblical Mount Moriah, where Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac. This mountain was believed to be the place where God chose to establish His name, making it the site of the Samaritan temple. In this context, Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman carries far greater weight than a casual conversation; it is a pivotal moment in the unveiling of God's plan for salvation to the whole world—Jews and Gentiles alike.

Background of Samaria
To fully understand the importance of this encounter, it is crucial to examine the history of Samaria and its people. The division of Israel into two kingdoms after the reign of Solomon—Israel in the north and Judah in the south—set the stage for centuries of tension between the two regions. Samaria, located in the northern kingdom, became the capital of Israel. In 722 B.C., the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom, deporting many of its inhabitants and repopulating the area with Gentiles and pagans. Over time, the Israelites who remained intermarried with these new settlers, resulting in a mixed population known as the Samaritans.
Religiously, the Samaritans deviated from the Jews, adhering only to the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) and rejecting the authority of Jerusalem as the center of worship. Instead, they built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which they believed to be the true location where God had chosen to dwell. This religious divide was intensified by deep-seated hostility between Jews and Samaritans, with Jews considering Samaritans to be ceremonially unclean and socially inferior. As a result, Jews would often go out of their way to avoid passing through Samaria, despite it being the shortest route between Judea and Galilee.

The Woman at the Well
The background information on Samaria is essential to grasp the full impact of Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman. On the surface, it may seem like a simple conversation, but given the historical hostility between Jews and Samaritans, this encounter is loaded with significance. Jesus breaks several cultural and religious norms by speaking to a Samaritan, a woman, and one who was considered immoral by her society.

John 4:1–9: The Divine Necessity
The text tells us that Jesus "had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4). While it was geographically more convenient to travel through Samaria, the phrasing suggests a divine necessity rather than a mere logistical decision. Jesus’ journey to Samaria was part of God's sovereign plan, demonstrating that the message of salvation was not just for the Jews but for all people, including those marginalized by society.

As Jesus arrives at Jacob’s well around noon, He is weary from His travels and sits down to rest. Jacob's well is a significant landmark, located on the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph (Genesis 48:22). The well, still in existence today, is a testament to the deep historical roots of the site. At this well, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman coming to draw water—an unusual occurrence, as women typically drew water in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the day. The fact that this woman comes alone at noon suggests that she is an outcast, likely shunned by her community because of her immoral lifestyle.

Jesus' request for a drink of water surprises the woman, as it defies the cultural norms of the time. Not only is He a Jewish man speaking to a Samaritan woman, but He is also willing to use her utensils, which would have been considered ceremonially unclean by Jews. This detail highlights the radical nature of Jesus' ministry, which consistently broke down social, cultural, and religious barriers to reach those in need of salvation.

John 4:10–18: Living Water and Spiritual Fulfillment
The conversation quickly shifts from the physical to the spiritual as Jesus offers the woman "living water." In the biblical context, water often symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not referring to literal water but to the eternal life that He offers through the Spirit. He contrasts this living water with the physical water from the well, explaining that whoever drinks from the well will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the living water He offers will never thirst.

The woman's initial response indicates that she does not fully grasp the spiritual nature of Jesus' offer. She interprets His words literally, asking how He plans to draw water without any utensils. Her misunderstanding is reminiscent of Nicodemus' confusion in John 3, where Jesus speaks of being born again, and Nicodemus takes the statement literally. In both cases, Jesus uses everyday language and symbols to convey deeper spiritual truths about salvation and eternal life.

Jesus' offer of living water speaks to the human condition of spiritual thirst. People often seek satisfaction and fulfillment in material things—wealth, possessions, relationships, success—yet these things can never truly satisfy the soul. Jesus is offering the woman something far greater: the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which brings eternal life and a deep, abiding satisfaction that transcends earthly desires.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Jesus reveals His knowledge of the woman's life, specifically her five previous husbands and her current living situation. This revelation convicts the woman of her sin and demonstrates that Jesus is not just a weary traveler but a prophet with divine insight. Jesus' words cut to the heart of the matter, exposing the woman's need for repentance and spiritual renewal. His approach to her is compassionate yet truthful, offering her the living water of eternal life while also addressing the sin that has kept her spiritually thirsty.

John 4:19 – 26: Worship in Spirit and Truth
The woman's response to Jesus' revelation of her life is to shift the conversation to a theological debate about the proper place of worship. This diversion is not uncommon when people are confronted with their sin; rather than face the uncomfortable truth, they often try to deflect the conversation to less personal matters. In this case, the woman brings up the long-standing dispute between Jews and Samaritans over the correct location for worship—Mount Gerizim for the Samaritans or Jerusalem for the Jews.

Jesus' response to her question is both profound and transformative. He declares that the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father not on this mountain or in Jerusalem, but in spirit and truth. This statement marks a significant shift in the understanding of worship. No longer is worship tied to a specific location or ritual; it is a matter of the heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the truth of who God is.
This teaching aligns with the broader message of the New Testament, where the focus is on the inner transformation of the believer rather than external religious practices. Worship in spirit and truth means that true worship is not confined to a temple or a specific place but is an ongoing, living relationship with God that can be expressed anywhere and at any time. Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman prefigure the global expansion of the church, where believers from every nation and background will worship God in spirit and truth, united by the Holy Spirit rather than by cultural or religious boundaries.

Theological Implications and Application
This encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman holds several key theological implications for believers today.

1. It demonstrates that Jesus' offer of salvation is for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or social status. In His interaction with the Samaritan woman, Jesus breaks down the barriers that had long divided Jews and Samaritans, showing that the gospel transcends ethnic and cultural divisions. This truth is further emphasized in the book of Acts, where the apostles take the message of Jesus to the Samaritans and, eventually, to the ends of the earth.
   
   The living water that Jesus offers symbolizes the gift of eternal life, which comes through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual water satisfies the deep thirst of the human soul, offering peace, joy, and contentment that cannot be found in material possessions or worldly success. For believers, this passage serves as a reminder that true satisfaction and fulfillment come only from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
   
   
2. Jesus' teaching on worship in spirit and truth challenges believers to examine the nature of their worship. True worship is not about adhering to external rituals or traditions; it is about engaging with God on a personal level, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in alignment with the truth of Scripture. This kind of worship transforms the believer from the inside out, allowing God's presence to permeate every aspect of their life.
   
   
3. The importance of confronting sin in our lives. Jesus does not shy away from addressing the woman's sinful past, but He does so in a way that invites her to repentance and restoration. This balance of truth and grace is essential for believers as they seek to live out their faith in a world that often promotes moral relativism. Like the Samaritan woman, we are called to acknowledge our sin, repent, and receive the living water that only Jesus can offer.

Conclusion
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is a powerful reminder of the inclusivity of the gospel, the spiritual satisfaction found in Christ, and the nature of true worship. This encounter serves as a model for how believers are to engage with those who are marginalized, broken, and in need of the living water of salvation. Through His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals that salvation is available to all who are willing to come to Him, regardless of their background or past. He offers living water that satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul and calls us to worship the Father in spirit and truth.

As believers today, we are invited to drink from the well of living water that Jesus offers, to engage in true worship that is rooted in spirit and truth, and to share this message of hope and salvation with a world that is desperately thirsty for the love of Christ.

Introduction: Mt. Nebo and The Death of Moses
Mount Nebo is a powerful symbol in the Bible. It is often seen as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Even though Moses could not enter the Promised Land, God’s promise to the descendants of Abraham was reaffirmed as Moses saw the land from a distance. This emphasizes that God's plans and promises extend beyond individual lifetimes.

​Deuteronomy 34:1-8
According to Deuteronomy 34:1-8, Mt. Nebo is where God shows Moses the vast land of Canaan, which was promised to Abraham’s descendants. Moses dies on this mountain, which marks the end of his journey and the start of a new chapter for the Israelites. With Moses gone, Joshua steps up as the new leader. His leadership is quickly tested when he leads the Israelites into battle at Ai, showing that God’s promise and guidance continue. This transition from Moses to Joshua shows a change in leadership but not in their divine mission, as the Israelites continue toward the land God promised them. Moses lived to the age of 120, and now it’s time for Joshua to take the lead. From the moment God chose him to the end of his life, Joshua faced and overcame many challenges.

Joshua 1:1 - 10

Joshua: A Leader Against Overwhelming Odds
Joshua was commissioned to take over as the Israelites' leader after Moses's death. This was no small task. Moses was deeply respected and revered, not only by the people of Israel but also by the surrounding nations. Joshua was tasked with continuing Moses' legacy and completing the mission Moses had begun. Joshua's leadership was marked by overcoming seemingly extraordinary challenges, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, and settling there—a task that had challenged the Israelites for 40 years.

Joshua was called to do even greater things than his mentor. He led a nomadic people, who had wandered in the desert for decades, into a land they had only heard about. This land had walled cities, strong armies, and powerful kings. The Israelites had been paralyzed with fear 40 years earlier when they first approached the Promised Land, but now it was Joshua's responsibility to lead them into battle and claim what God had promised. Planning military tactics to overcome these cities surely weighed heavily on Joshua, but his faith in God’s promises and obedience to God’s commands guided him through.

An Overview of Joshua 1 – 8
To understand how Joshua successfully led the Israelites, it’s helpful to take a brief overview of the first eight chapters of the book of Joshua. These chapters outline the beginning of Joshua’s leadership and the challenges he and the Israelites faced as they entered the Promised Land.

Chapter 1: Joshua's Commissioning
In Chapter 1, God commissions Joshua as Moses’ successor. This chapter sets the tone for Joshua’s leadership. God promises Joshua victory and protection as they move into the Promised Land. God reassures Joshua by repeatedly telling him to "be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6-9). This is a reminder that strength and courage are essential when facing daunting challenges.

Chapter 2: The Spies and Rahab
In Chapter 2, Joshua sends two spies into Jericho, the first city they must conquer. The spies encounter Rahab, a woman who protects them from the king of Jericho. In return for her protection, Rahab asks the spies to spare her and her family during the impending attack on Jericho. This chapter highlights a great challenge—the spies were in enemy territory, at risk of being captured and killed, yet God provided a way for them to accomplish their mission through Rahab’s bravery.

Chapters 3 & 4: Crossing the Jordan River
Chapters 3 and 4 recount the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. The river was at flood stage, making crossing impossible under normal circumstances. However, God instructed Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river, and as they did, the waters receded, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground. This event demonstrated God’s presence and power among the Israelites, boosting their confidence and faith as they prepared for the battles ahead.

Chapter 5: The Renewal of the Covenant
In Chapter 5, the men of Israel are circumcised. This act renews the covenant between God and the Israelites, signifying their commitment to God as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The males born during the years of wandering in the desert had not been circumcised, so this was a necessary step in preparing them spiritually and physically for the battles ahead.

Chapter 6: The Battle of Jericho
Chapter 6 details the fall of Jericho. God gave Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer the city—march around the city once each day for six days, and on the seventh day, march around it seven times while the priests blew their trumpets. On the seventh time around, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites took the city. They were commanded not to take any plunder for themselves; all the silver, gold, and other valuables were to be placed in the Lord's treasury. This chapter illustrates that victory comes through obedience to God’s instructions, even when those instructions seem unconventional or illogical.

Chapter 7: The Sin of Achan
Chapter 7 recounts the sin of Achan, a man who disobeyed God’s command by secretly taking some of the plunder from Jericho for himself. As a result of Achan’s sin, the Israelites suffered a humiliating defeat at Ai, a much smaller city. Only 3,000 troops were sent to attack Ai, confident in their ability to win easily, but they were soundly defeated, and about 36 Israelites were killed. This defeat devastated Joshua, who cried out to God, questioning why He had allowed this to happen. God revealed that Achan’s sin was the cause of their defeat. Once Achan’s sin was exposed and dealt with, God reassured Joshua that they would be victorious in their next attempt to conquer Ai.

Chapter 8: The Victory at Ai
In Chapter 8, after dealing with Achan's sin, Joshua led the Israelites back to Ai; this time, they were victorious. God instructed Joshua on a strategy to ambush the city, and the Israelites successfully captured Ai. This victory was a reminder that success depends on obedience to God and that sin can have serious consequences for the entire community.

The Do's and Don'ts of Facing Extreme Challenges
As we reflect on the first eight chapters of Joshua, we see that Joshua and the Israelites faced numerous challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. Their experiences provide valuable lessons for us today as we face difficulties in our lives—whether they be physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, or relational. When faced with seemingly impossible situations, it is crucial to start with prayer. We must ask God to search our hearts and reveal anything hindering us from fully trusting and obeying Him. Once we have done this, we can apply the “Don’ts” and “Do’s” to our lives.

Don’t: Be Frightened
Fear is a natural response to facing overwhelming challenges. However, it’s important not to let fear paralyze us. God repeatedly told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This doesn’t mean he wouldn’t experience fear, but it means that he, and we for that matter, must not allow fear to control our actions. When we remember God is with us, we can overcome fear and move forward in faith.

Don't: Be Discouraged
Discouragement is another common obstacle when facing difficult situations. It’s easy to become discouraged when things don’t go as planned, or the challenges seem too overwhelming. The Israelites faced discouragement after their defeat at Ai, but Joshua didn’t allow this to stop them from doing what God commanded. Instead, he sought God’s guidance and addressed the underlying issue—Achan’s sin—before moving forward. We must not let discouragement hinder our progress. Instead, we should seek God’s help overcoming it and press on.
 
Don't: Be Disobedient
Obedience to God is crucial when facing challenges. The Israelites learned this the hard way when Achan’s disobedience led to their defeat at Ai. We cannot expect to overcome obstacles if sin reigns in our lives. God desires our obedience, and when we follow His commands, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and victory.

Don’t: Deviate from God’s Commands
God has given clear instructions in His Word, and it’s important not to deviate from them. Jesus summarized the law by commanding us to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). This “law of love” should guide our actions and decisions, especially when facing difficult situations. When we deviate from God’s commands, we open ourselves up to unnecessary challenges and setbacks.

Do: Be Strong
Strength is essential when facing overwhelming odds. Strength, in this context, is physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. Joshua was repeatedly told to be strong, and this strength came from his faith in God’s promises. We, too, must draw our strength from our faith and trust in God. Life is tough, and we must face our challenges with determination and grit.
For example, my best friend Thom, who passed away from cancer many years ago, showed incredible strength in the face of his illness. Diagnosed as a teenager, he was told he might never have children or live a full life. Yet, he fought cancer for over 25 years, married a wonderful woman, and had four sons. Even in the face of death, Thom's strength and grit left a lasting legacy through his children.

DO: Be Courageous
Courage is confronting fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. It is not the absence of fear but the resolve to act despite it. The Israelites had to be resolute and courageous as they faced the fortified cities of the Promised Land. They knew the odds were against them but also that God was on their side.

DO: Be Obedient
Obedience to God is not only about following His commands but also about trusting His timing and methods. The Israelites’ victory at Jericho came through obedience to a seemingly illogical battle plan. They could have questioned or altered God’s instructions, but they chose to obey, and as a result, they saw the walls of Jericho fall.
Obedience may require us to do things that don’t make sense or challenge our comfort zones. When we obey God, we open ourselves up to His blessings and the fulfillment of His promises.

DO: Trust God
Trust is foundational. God made promises to the Israelites and was faithful to fulfill them. Joshua trusted God’s promises, and that trust was evident in his actions and decisions.

Conclusion:
What are the overwhelming challenges in your life? Whether related to your health, relationships, finances, or spiritual journey, I encourage you to apply these “Do’s” and “Don’ts” as you navigate them. Begin with prayer, asking God to search your heart and reveal anything hindering you. Then, be strong, courageous, obedient, and trust God as you face your challenges. Remember that God is with you, just as He was with Joshua and the Israelites. With God’s help, you can overcome even the most challenging odds.
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Spend some time this week reflecting on your challenges and seeking God’s guidance. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and give you the courage to face whatever lies ahead. Trust that He is greater than any obstacle you may encounter in your life.

From the moment God calls Abraham from the land where he lived to a place, He will show him to the birth of Isaac; Abraham has shown himself faithful and obedient to God. His life has not been easy, and the man has had his faith tried, tested, and confirmed. It is in Genesis Chapter 22 that we read the details of God telling Abraham to do something that many cannot fathom. Not only do we see the faithfulness and obedience of Abraham in this account, but we also get a preview of God’s plan of redemption. What is fascinating is that although this is an Old Testament passage that gives an account of an old man in a crisis situation, the Gospel message is present, and the fingerprint of Jesus is thick in Genesis 22. Today's goal is to look at this account and see the redemption story God is writing to humanity.

Genesis 22:1 - 18

Verse 1: “Sometime later”—Some versions of the Bible translate this opening verse as “Sometime after these things.” This suggests that a period has passed from the events of Chapter 21 (the birth of Isaac and the treaty with Abimelech) to what is about to happen in Chapter 22. Many (including Martin Luther) believe it was a significant length of time and that Isaac is now a grown man or a teenager.

“God tested Abraham’s faith”—From an outsider's perspective, this is a test, but for Abraham, this request that God is about to make was a reality. This was not just a test of faith but of faith and obedience.

Verse 2: “Take your son… whom you love” – God acknowledges Abraham’s great affection and love for his son. We can assume that God stating that Isaac was “the son whom you love” Indicates that this would not be an easy task for Abraham. God commanded him to go to the land of Moriah, to a place where God would show him. Eventually, he ended up in the mountain area, Mt. Moriah.

“One of the mountains”—The recurring theme of mountains in biblical accounts is that they were places where people met with God.

In this verse, God demands a great deal from Abraham. He tells him to take his son and offer him as a sacrifice to God.

“Sacrifice him as a burnt offering”—This was a common sacrifice in the Old Testament in which an animal was cut up, placed on the altar, and completely consumed by fire. This kind of sacrifice was a symbolic gesture in which one offered oneself to God completely. The animal was offered as an atonement for one’s sin. The blood of the animal would serve as a symbol to cover the sins of the worshiper until the next time he came in to offer a sacrifice.

Verse 3-4: Abraham was faithful and obedient. He did what God told him. I can’t imagine what was going through his mind at this time and how he felt. Sometimes, we forget that he was a real person with emotions. He was a father, and this request must have destroyed him. He had waited over 100 years for his promised son to be born, and now God is telling him to sacrifice him. His emotions must have been all tied up.

To make matters worse, he travels for three days to the location of the sacrifice. I cannot imagine the burden he carried for three days, knowing what he knew and what was commanded of him. Three days signifies the time it takes to prepare for something important, and this was certainly an important thing. “Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.” This is very dramatic, and the reader is left to imagine what is going through Abraham’s mind.

Verse 5: “The boy and I” or Lad – Same word used for Ishmael (probably an older teenager or a young man).

“We will worship there” – Abraham tells his servants that he and Isaac will worship (bow down) God. He tells them, “WE will come right back.” There are four possible reasons why Abraham said this to his servants.

1. This was either a lie to keep the servants from following and trying to stop him, 
2. He was planning on taking Isaac up to the mountain and not going through with the sacrifice.
3. He believed that God was going to provide another sacrifice.
4. He fully believed God would raise Isaac from the dead.  He remembered God’s promise of blessing through Isaac, but this certainly did not make this easier.
   
   

Verse 6-8: “So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders…” This is a deeply symbolic reference to Jesus Christ and the cross of Calvary.
“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering…” I like the NRSV translation best: “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering.” Abraham's faith is evident, and he speaks a prophetic statement that God will provide himself with a lamb for sacrifice. Once again, this is a deep connection to Jesus Christ and the cross of Calvary.

Verse 9: “Then he tied his son Isaac.” – What is interesting is that not only is Abraham obedient to God, but Isaac was obedient as well, even to the point of potential death. It is important to note that Abraham was over 100 years old, and Isaac was young. Abraham was certainly not in his prime health. Isaac could have overpowered his father and outrun him, but he does not.

Verse 11-12: God intervenes. God had an Angel of the Lord call down to stop what was happening. The calling out from heaven shows a sense of urgency. In this, Abraham is shown to be faithful.

Verse 13-14: What Abraham proclaimed to Isaac does indeed come to pass. God provided a ram, and Abraham was reminded that God provides. He names the place “The Lord will provide” or “Jehovah Jireh.”

Verse 15-18: God confirms His promise because of Abraham’s obedience and faithfulness. “All Nations shall be blessed because of his obedience.”

Application
This is not an easy passage to digest. I have met people who turn to the Bible for answers to life’s questions only to come away with many more questions, and this passage is one of them. I admit I had many questions when I first read this passage. I did not understand why God told Abraham to do what He did. I had a hard time believing that this was a test. I was left with more questions than answers in my early readings of this passage.  I firmly believe that questions are a good thing and can enhance our faith, but sometimes, we get so bogged down with the questions of why that we ultimately miss what is going on.

Isaiah 55:8 – 9 reminds us, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Our reasoning and God’s reasoning are not the same. We need to understand that God does what He does for His purpose, and He does not have to give a reason why He does what He does.
 
So, instead of focusing on the question, “Why did God do what he did?” let’s look at the key to this passage: Abraham’s obedience, faith, and grace. Some people may read this passage and see this test as a cruel joke on one of His faithful followers, but this whole account is a prologue to what will happen a couple thousand years later in Jesus Christ. However, this time, it won’t be a test; it will be the real deal.

I mentioned earlier that the Gospel is present, and the fingerprint of Jesus is all over this account. Many parallels of the Gospel in Genesis 22 foreshadow God's plan of redemption for humanity. Isaac is a type of Christ. He is the beloved son of the Father. Just like Jesus, Isaac was the apple of his Father’s eye. He, like Jesus, was the one who promised to be a blessing to all nations. He, like Jesus, was to be offered as a sacrifice for the atonement of sins. The atonement of Jesus will not be a mere covering that needs to happen yearly; it will be a complete washing away of sin. God, like Abraham, willingly gives His one and only son whom He loves (Jesus) as a sacrifice so all who put their faith in His son will be redeemed. On a human level, this may seem harsh, illogical, and mean, but God never asks Abraham (or us, for that matter) to do something that He would not or has not already done Himself, which is shown in Jesus's sacrifice. God does provide Himself a sacrifice – Jesus was sacrificed in our place so humanity could be redeemed. While the story may seem outrageous and even pointless, there are some things we can take with us today.
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So, what are they?

1. God may not demand you to offer your firstborn as a human sacrifice, but He does call us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto Him. Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” This means God desires that we give ourselves completely to Him. We allow Him to be the Lord of our lives Sunday to Sunday, 365 days a year, for a lifetime. God doesn’t just want your Sunday, Wednesday, or whatever day you devote to Him… He wants your devotion continually and daily.
2. Sometimes, God calls us to places or to do things we may not like, understand, or agree with, but we must trust that His ways are better than ours. He has our best interest in mind, and we must trust and obey Him. He is not in heaven playing Russian roulette with our lives… He has a plan and purpose for His glory.
3. God has provided Himself a lamb for sacrifice, and His name is Jesus Christ. This is a big deal for all of us. This is God’s love displayed to all humanity. A lamb was needed to be sacrificed for the sins of humanity, and Jesus is the perfect, spotless lamb without blemish who willingly went to the cross of Calvary so all who believe in Him will be redeemed. God loves us so much that He gave His beloved son that whoever believes in Him will be saved and redeemed.
4. Jehovah Jireh—God always provides for His faithful followers. This comforts me and should comfort you as well. We no longer need to worry or be anxious about anything because God has provided for our needs. He may not do it the way we want, but He will do it nonetheless for His glory.