Healing Rays of Righteousness

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27 NIV).  The New Living Translation reads, “Put your hand into the wound in my side.  Don’t be faithless any longer.  Believe!”

Many readers understand this story as revealing Jesus’ gentle way of building trust and confidence in Thomas who had expressed doubt regarding Jesus’ resurrection from the grave.  Even though I agree with this understanding, I sense an even deeper significance in the story.

I am challenged and encouraged by the thought that the wounds of Jesus are not only to be seen, but also to be touched and entered into.  From related scriptures and my own experience, I believe God intends for us to understand that there is an intimate power and emotional connectedness made as we, with Thomas, respond to Jesus’ invitation to figuratively place our hand within his wounds, which leads directly to the heart of God.

My own grief experiences have taught me that it is not enough for us to merely know of a God who sympathizes.  It is not even enough to know of a God who heals.  We need to know and be trustfully connected to the God who experiences with us and for us, each grief and each wound that we suffer.  All grievous experiences, whatever their source, urgently and compassionately  invite us to be bonded with God, through Jesus, who has had nails pierce his hands and a sharp spear thrust into his heart.

Being in relationship with God by placing our hand into the wounded side of Jesus, assures us that the grievous wounds we carry will not become infected wounds, but rather healed wounds, as the apostle Peter wrote, “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24).

And then, in turn, when we touch and relate with another wounded person, the healing love, compassion, and comfort of Jesus Christ encompasses us both, and his healing is transmitted to the other, making us God’s “wounded healers” even while our own healing is happening.

“Reach out your hand and put it into my side.”  As I reflect on these words of Jesus, I truly understand it as an invitation to a warm, healing, human connectedness with the risen, glorious healer of all wounds, a relationship I can fully trust.

With our hand placed into the wounded heart of the suffering, crucified, resurrected Jesus, a reassuring and strong identity of being created and loved by God will unfold in us; and we will learn to speak the truth of who we are in Christ, that is, God’s wounded healers, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves as wounded victims of circumstance.

Furthermore, we will learn to recognize our own true cross, which is the free choice we make to enter into, and help lift and ease the burden of pain from another wounded person.  It is a choice we make, and the only choice that will bring meaning and purpose to our own wounds, as well as healing to another’s wounds.

Paul’s own life of many pain-filled experiences and his trust-filled connectedness to God confirmed the truth of God’s compassion, and so he encourages all who experience pain with this testimony; “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

And so, I encourage you to hear the invitation of Jesus, “Put your hand into the wound in my side.  Don’t be faithless any longer.  Believe!”   Find purpose in your pain by leaning into becoming a “wounded healer.”

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – September 4, 2019

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

The Labor Day holiday is a good time to be reminded that the work of God happens when the people of God work.  God intends to work in this world through us.  This should encourage and motivate us to get busy with God’s business.  But what can we correctly say is God’s business?

The Lord’s Prayer is repeated every Sunday by millions of Christians around the world, and in that prayer we petition God that his name be made holy and that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  So what is his will and how will it be done?

In Luke 4:16-21, we read that Jesus returned to his hometown, Nazareth, and on the first Sabbath, went to the synagogue where he read the prophetic listing of the Messiah’s work credentials and surprisingly claimed them as his own.  And later, he listed the same work credentials to the disciples of John the Baptist when they asked, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

I believe these social concerns continue to be the authentic work credentials for all God’s people living today.  This is God’s business.  I firmly believe that following Jesus is a commitment to daily participate in God’s transforming, redemptive work in the world, so that God’s will is made evident “on earth as it is in heaven” by our deeds and labor.

Anabaptist Christians believe the New Testament scriptures teach that Christian faith is made visible in Jesus-like acts of compassionate love and material generosity.  We believe that Christian faith is more than worship and verbal commitment to the Lordship of Jesus on a Sunday morning, but is also the live performance of that worship and commitment in every conversation and activity of life Monday through Saturday.  It is “walking the talk” of Jesus’ lordship and love in our worship, work and every relational encounter.

Or, as Jesus would say in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  And in verses 44-45, we hear this also includes our response toward our enemies.  “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

As evidence of walking with Jesus, Anabaptist Christians have cultivated the practice of serving others because we believe this is the example and command of Jesus for our lives.  We believe that God’s Spirit is at work where social concerns and human needs are responded to with authentic love and practical efforts.  This is what identifies us as followers of Jesus Christ.

Moreover, Anabaptist Christians do not serve others because of political mandate, financial profit, or religious necessity.  We have a genuine compassion and love for others and serve their needs in response to what Christ Jesus has done for us.  We joyfully, generously, and even sacrificially work to provide for those in need because of the love and Spirit of Christ, which fills our life and has transformed our hearts.

When James and John, two disciples of Jesus, asked him to give them positions of honor and power in His Kingdom, Jesus replied that those who wish to be great must become servants, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45).

For this Labor Day, let us rethink how deeply we believe that serving others and making sacrifices in their behalf should be the normal behavior of those who follow Jesus as Lord in their life.  How committed am I to laboring in God’s business of loving and caring for the world through me?  How sincere am I in praying “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?

I challenge us to sincerely invest ourselves in God’s business of bringing life and light, joy and peace to our churches, towns, nation, and world through us, his people who “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8).

In doing so, be encouraged by Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  Amen!

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 28, 2019

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Ray M. Geigley

Are there times that you feel uncertain about God’s love for you?  I’ve had those times, and that’s when I most need to be encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians; “For he chose us in him (Christ) … In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, … In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” (1:4-7). 

Oh, what love God lavished on us.  Can we imagine any greater evidence of his love for us?

In chapter three, Paul prays that we may grasp, come to understand, more fully the magnitude of Christ’s love for us; which he believes is much greater and more expansive than the whole universe with its limitless sky above, its limitless horizons on every side, and the deep depths of the earth and the seas beneath us.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”  Then, as if desperate for adequate words, he adds the phrase “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  (3:17-19). 

Paul wishes for all who follow Christ to experience being Spirit-filled to the brim with all the fullness of God in every day, activity, and encounter.  And “For this reason I (Paul) kneel before the Father, … I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”  (3:14-17).

Paul believes that to be Spirit-filled means having a deep love relationship with God.  A love relationship that is fully yielded to him, and brings to us a life rich in experiences of his amazing love and powerful presence.

Paul is saying that God’s love for us is far beyond the rational limits of intellect or theory.  It is experiential knowing, that is, to experience Christ’s love in everyday living experiences.

I remember reading of a farmer who had a weather vane on his barn, on which was written GOD IS LOVE.   When friends asked why, the farmer said, “This is to remind me that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love.”

The following scriptures would confirm this truth, and are verses that I have found encouraging in my journey.

When the warm ‘south wind’ with its soothing and balmy breezes brings showers of blessing, God is love.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17).

When the cold ‘north wind’ of trial and testing sweeps down upon you, God is love.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

When the ‘west wind’ blows hard upon you with its punishing intent, God is love.  “do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:6).

When the ‘east wind’ threatens to sweep away all that you have, God is love.  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

Yes, it doesn’t matter which way the wind of life is blowing, the truth remains, God is love.       

Paul concludes his prayer for us with a doxology of praise to God who, he says, is able to do more for us than we could ever dream of, or think possible.  He first prayed that God would bestow blessings on us that transcend our knowledge.  He then expresses his confidence that these blessings will be granted, for he believes that God is love, and that God is able.

Read verses 20-21 slowly, drinking in and savoring every healing drop.  I promise it will refresh your spirit every time you do so.  “Now to him (God) … who is able … to do … immeasurably more … than all we ask or imagine, … according to his power … that is at work … within us, … to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen.”

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 21, 2019

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Ray M. Geigley

The “Transfiguration” story, recorded in Matthew 17, tells how three of Jesus’ disciples were privileged to see and better understand the awesome transforming power and glory of Jesus Christ.  “… Jesus took with him Peter, James and John …, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”  (Matthew 17:1-2).

Jesus’ inner, divine nature, previously veiled, was now disclosed so that the three disciples caught an awesome glimpse of his glory.  What they saw was the power-filled glory of God radiating from Jesus.  And what they heard was a voice from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.  Listen to him!”  (Matthew 17:5).

Years later, Peter remembers this experience with Jesus and writes about in his second letter (1:16-18).  Peter remembers it as “the sacred mountain” because he believed it was here that Jesus’ authority, power and majesty as the Son of God was confirmed.

Peter believed that it was in this moment, that Jesus fully committed himself to walk the painful journey down the mountain to Jerusalem, the cross and the grave, where he would victoriously bind Satan’s power and authority forever.

In verse 9, we read that as Jesus and the disciples are coming down the mountain, Jesus tells them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”  Why would Jesus tell them not to talk about what they had just seen and heard?

Jesus knew the disciples could not understand nor appreciate the magnitude of what they just witnessed, nor could anyone else, until after he completed the work of redemption through his suffering, death, and resurrection from the tomb as the risen, living Christ.  Only then could his glory be seen and understood by mankind.  Only then could Christian truths about God and his amazing love, be deeply appreciated.

Three days after his crucifixion and death, Jesus arose from the tomb as the majestic conqueror over all evil and death, to lead the redeemed (set free) men and women of every race and creed on a royal pathway to heaven, where he, Jesus, is forever seated as “King of Kings and Lord or lords.”

The Hebrew writer calls us to behold and worship the risen Son; “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”  (Hebrews 1:3).

Whenever Jesus talked about his pending death, the disciples were troubled and confused in there thinking.  But after his resurrection and their seeing him alive, the meaning and purpose of his death became much more understandable to them.

This new understanding emboldened Peter, when standing before the Sanhedrin, to declare “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

It also emboldened Paul to declare that Christ “…is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For in him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col. 1:15-17).

I sincerely believe with Paul that nothing exists outside of Christ’s awesome creative power, and that his almighty, all-loving, redeeming presence touches every part of God’s infinite and ever-expanding universe.  “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  (John 1:5)

Even though the awesome glory of Jesus Christ remains beyond our full understanding, he still shines on us, not only on mountaintops of extraordinary experiences, but most often in our daily routines of living.

In many and various un-dramatic ways, his glorious “healing rays of righteousness” shines upon us to restore and enliven us toward joy-filled living each day.  For without him we cannot and will not survive. “In him all things hold together.”   Blessed be his name!

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 14, 2019

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Ray M. Geigley

Should my relationship with you depend on whether or not you agree with me?  No! My relationship with you should be rooted in fully accepting and respecting you, even though we may disagree on particular issues.

The reason so many friendships, churches, and communities are fractured and in trouble today is because we do not recognize the difference between agreement and acceptance.  Behavioral studies show that much of our anxiety is caused by an egocentric, neurotic need to have others agree with us.

We also know that the dynamics of every healthy people grouping, whether it be church, community, or nation, includes lively disagreement.  The “loyal opposition” is needed to keep us from getting too comfortable with our selfish, narrow, and off-times marred visions.

Also, to presume others need us to correct them, but that we do not need them to correct us is to assign to ourselves an omniscience that belongs only to Almighty God.

Regretfully, many Christians have been misled by the King James Version of Amos 3:3, which asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”  They understand the prophet to be saying that any disagreement is detrimental to healthy relationship and community and thus, “no agreement, no relationship.”  But that is not the meaning behind the original Hebrew.

The New International Version (NIV) better clarifies the original meaning as follows; “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?  This more correctly suggests an agreement with neighbor to meet for a walk together.  It is a commitment to a planned and scheduled activity together.  In other words, I agree to walk with you because I accept and respect you regardless of our disagreements.

Dietrich Bonhoffer warned that “He who can no longer listen to his brother will soon no longer be listening to God, either.”

The image of the Christian life being a walk is firmly rooted in the New Testament teachings.  The apostle Paul tells us Christians “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:1-2).

To the Christians in Rome, Paul says, “Love must be sincere.” (Rom. 12:1).  And included in his list of loving behaviors is this admonition in verse 18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”   He then concludes with this word, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (v.21).

These voices, as well as the whole of the New Testament, are telling us that to be Christian is to always be intentionally and fervently working to establish and nurture strong, loving relationships with others.  This is our calling and mission.

For that reason, I am deeply troubled by what appears to be a serious drift by those who call themselves Christian, away from the biblical principles of “community by acceptance” and toward a more totalitarian view of “community by agreement” and it’s very low tolerance for disagreement.  It is a kind of mentality that fixes its eyes on another with a cold look and says, “If you don’t agree with us, get out.  Go somewhere else.  You don’t belong here.” 

The New Testament clearly teaches that the followers of Jesus will live a lifestyle built around LOVE.  Sacrificial love is to be at the core of relationships with fellow believers, and also determines our attitude towards all people at all times.

I’m reminded of the story of a young man who stopped at a farmhouse asking for work.  The farmer asked of his occupation, which was carpentry.  At first the farmer said he had no work.  Then, pointing across the road to the neighboring farm, he said, “That is where by brother lives and we have become bitter enemies.  He even took a bulldozer and cut a stream from the reservoir through the pasture between us.  I’ll hire you to take that lumber by the barn and build an eight-foot high solid fence between us, so that I don’t need to be looking at him.”

The farmer went to town for the day, and the young man went to work.  When the farmer returned, instead of a fence, he saw a beautiful bridge across the stream, with handrails and all.  At first he was angry, but then he saw his brother walking down the hill to the bridge with his arms outstretched.  As he walked to meet him, his younger brother called out, “You are a special brother, to think that you would build a bridge so that we can get together!”

As the carpenter was walking away, the farmer called, “Hey, where are you going?”  The man answered, “I’m going to build other bridges!”

O church, community, and nation, we call ourselves Christian, so let’s walk our talk.  Let us love, accept, and walk together with all people, respectfully listening to the “loyal opposition” toward seeking common ground and guidance in making a better world for all of us.  AMEN!

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 7, 2019

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

In John 6:35, we hear Jesus declaring, “I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  And again in verse 51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Just the day before, on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fed the large crowd who had gathered on the mountainside to see and be healed by this miracle-working Jesus.  And the crowd was not disappointed as they witnessed the miracle of one boy’s lunch feeding the entire crowd with more than enough food.

But the next morning the crowd discovered that Jesus and his disciples had left them.  Thinking that Jesus must have crossed over the sea to Capernaum, they immediately got into their boats and went across the sea to Capernaum searching for him.

The hungry crowd was hoping Jesus would continue supplying their daily food, just like God did when their forefathers were in the wilderness, by sending fresh manna from heaven each morning.  But instead, Jesus accuses them of being more interested in miracles and free meals than they were in believing that he was the Messiah, the Son of God.

Being the Messiah, he came to satisfy their deepest hungers, that is, their hunger for belonging and significance, for forgiveness of sin and peace with God.  Jesus rebuked them for only wanting their bellies satisfied, and admonished them, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (6:27).

Many years earlier, a prophet named Isaiah challenged his people with a question, “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2).

And so, to the hungry crowds, both then and now, that the bread that they are searching for, the bread that is abundantly sufficient for each day’s need, the bread that sustains life in the dry wilderness and threatening darkness, the bread that reminds us to trust in the grace of God rather than in our own anxious and frenzied attempts to satisfy and secure life, Jesus says, I am that bread.  Feed on me.  “I am the bread of life …. I am the bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 

Our Christian faith is all about God getting personal with us in and through Jesus by deeply loving and engaging us, giving provision and direction to our lives, and daily breathing life into us by filling us with his empowering Holy Spirit. “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (6:33). 

And our Christian faith is all about our getting personal with Jesus.  Jesus is more than an interesting person, idea, or ancient miracle-worker.  Jesus came down from heaven, has identified himself with us humans and offers us this incredible, inexhaustible and satisfying feast of life.  He is the fresh, living bread from heaven, and the only bread that can satisfy our soul’s many hungers.

And, are not our souls hungry?  Is not this the hunger that lies underneath the insatiable need to consume more and more – to buy and buy and buy?  We fill our garages and closets to the brim with stuff, and numb ourselves with all kinds of entertainment, relationships and self-help programs, trying to satisfy the hunger of our soul.

To all who hunger and thirst for something better, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

In the same way that Nicodemus was invited to be born again by “water and Spirit” and the woman at the well was urged to quench her thirst by drawing and drinking “living water” so are we invited to feed on Jesus, the living bread of life.

To be a disciple of Jesus is a very personal matter of being encountered by a person, Jesus, and being invited into a relationship with him that is very personal and intimate, a relationship of love, trust and submission to his Lordship our daily living.

When Jesus decided to leave behind a living reminder of the depths of God’s love for a sinful world, “he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” (1 Corinthians 11:24).

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 31, 2019

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

Ray M. Geigley

In her book, Footprints of Fire, Noel Moules states, “In a world obsessed with facts, figures, data and information there is a disturbing absence of wisdom, almost an indifference to it.  It is rarely spoken of on the streets, in the popular media or even in church.”  Would you agree?

King Solomon exclaims in Proverbs 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”  And in Proverbs 9:10, he gives us a clue regarding how to get this wisdom, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

The Hebrew word frequently translated “fear” in our Bibles, leans more toward the feelings of awe, love, and reverence; much like the feeling a lover has towards their beloved, and not wanting anything to spoil the relationship.

The core message of Proverbs declares that true, life-giving wisdom is based on a living relationship with God, who is the true source of all wisdom, as expressed in verse 7 of the opening chapter, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

This verse speaks of both knowledge and wisdom.  Both are recurring themes in the Bible and are related but are not synonymous.  A dictionary would define Wisdom as:   “the possession of experience and knowledge together with the power of applying them critically or practically.” A biblical definition is similar: “the skill and discipline of applying truth to the experiences of life.”

Knowledge, on the other hand, is defined as, “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.”

The Southern Baptist preacher, Vance Havner, said, “If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees! Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge.”

Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom cannot exist without knowledge.  One can be knowledgeable without being wise, and many in our world are like that.  More importantly and most sadly, many who claim to be Christian and regularly attend church, know a lot about God, but very little of His wisdom, choosing rather to follow the foolishness of earthly wisdom.

In Proverbs 8, King Solomon, gives wisdom a voice by personifying wisdom as a woman.  By doing so, he is personifying a quality that is a part of God’s trinity personhood. As such, Lady Wisdom is not to be understood as a separate god or goddess, but rather a literary tool that Solomon uses to depict and describe the working of God’s Spirit.

King Solomon wants us to understand that wisdom is not a set of rules to live by, but rather a spiritual reality who speaks, and with whom we can have a relationship.  Christians understand this Lady Wisdom person to be the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

In these verses, Lady Wisdom is portrayed as an awesome, dynamic presence, eager to be heard (vv.15-16).  Her voice is heard as the queen of the universe, and it is to the whole of humanity that she speaks. (v.4).

With glowing terms Lady Wisdom speaks of how worthy and profitable her instructions are for those who choose to love her. She is generous and promises wonderful gifts to anyone who will embrace her — gifts of intelligence, truth, instruction, knowledge, justice, righteousness and wealth (vv. 5-21).

Lady Wisdom calls out for us to pause and ask ourselves, How much sweat, blood, and tears am I expending for the infinitely “much better” gifts of wisdom and understanding?  How much of my personal time is spent in relationship with Jesus, through studying the scriptures and praying, both alone and doing so together with other followers of Jesus?

Truly, God loves us and delights in us and eagerly desires that we be growing in our knowledge and relationship with Him and “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man,” even as Jesus did (Luke 2:52).

Not everyone can become famous or wealthy or powerful, but everyone can gain wisdom regarding how to live and walk wisely with God and with other people. Every one of us can grow in our relationship with God, and build relationships with others that are deep, lasting and purposeful. It is in these relationships that we develop understanding and wisdom.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”  Do you agree?

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 24, 2019

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She was a woman, a Samaritan woman, a very lonely woman thirsting for companionship. She had made some very bad choices in life, trying to satisfy this thirst. She knew she had made a mess of her life and was now considered an immoral outcast by her own townspeople. She also knew she was the daily gossip at the village well where her neighbors gathered during the cool of each morning and evening for their water supply.

And so, to avoid the stares and sharp pain of ridicule and rejection, she would make the much longer walk to Jacob’s well, about a mile from town, for her needed daily supply of water. She would do so during the noonday heat while her neighbors were resting in the shade of their houses. But the water from Jacob’s well could never satisfy her unquenchable thirst for respect, acceptance, peace, and happiness.

It was noon-time when Jesus and his little band of disciples came to a fork in the road near the town of Sychar. At this fork in the road was Jacob’s well. This was a spot rich in the history of the Jewish people. Centuries earlier, Jacob had dug this deep well for his family and animals.

What memories must have stirred in Jesus as he sat down at this well, “tired as he was from the journey.” The disciples had gone into town to buy food, while Jesus rested. It is very likely that on their way into town they would have passed the Samaritan woman coming out to Jacob’s well where Jesus was resting. I am wondering if they greeted or acknowledged her. Remember they were Jewish men and she was a Samaritan woman.

All the makings of the usual dramatic confrontation between Jew and Samaritan are present as the woman approaches the well. But Jesus only makes a simple, unexpected request of her, “Will you give me a drink?”

Jesus has a need, and in politely asking this woman for help, cuts through centuries of suspicion and animosity, and treats her with respect and dignity as a human being. He treats her kindly even though he knows the immoral secrets she hides.

The woman responds with undisguised amazement, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” And so a dialogue is opened in which there comes an amazing reversal of roles. It is not long before the woman who has been asked for a drink of water is addressing the thirsty traveler as “Sir” and asking him for the water he offers.

Jesus offers this thirsty woman “living water” as “the gift from God.” He tells her that this water would quench her deepest thirst and longings, not just for a day, but forever; and that it is continuously fresh and abundant, “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

“GIFT” – what a beautiful word of generosity and grace. But the gift cannot be received without the Giver, Jesus. Unless, the woman comes to know and accept the One who speaks to her, God’s gift of “living water” can never be hers. For God shares this living water only through his Son, Jesus.  And, yes, the gift is free, but it cannot be received without acknowledgment of thirst, confession of sin, and repentance. I encourage you to read the full story in the Gospel of John, chapter 4.

All through Scripture, water is a rich symbol of the spiritual life. Living water vividly described that everlasting spiritual water which could quench and revive the parched, dying human spirit.  So the Psalmist cries out, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (42:1). And the prophet Isaiah speaks of its rich spiritual meaning, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (12:3).

In his gospel, the Apostle John records that on the last day of the annual Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus throws out that urgent invitation to all who could hear him, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” Then John explains, “By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” (7:37-39).

This is the invitation the Samaritan woman is hearing. And it is the invitation Jesus still gives to all whose lives are barren, lonely, and dried-up. It is the invitation given to all who keep dipping their buckets into the wells of the world for water that does not satisfy nor quench the deep thirst of the soul.

John W. Peterson seems to be echoing the testimony of the Samaritan woman in his hymn, Springs of Living Water: “I thirsted in the barren land of sin and shame, And nothing satisfying there I found; But to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came, Where springs of living water did abound.” (Refrain) “Drinking at the springs of living water – Happy now am I; My soul they satisfy. Drinking at the springs of living water – O wonderful and bountiful supply.”

May it be so!

                                                                                                                                                           Ray M. Geigley                                                                                          “Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 17, 2019
http://www.geigler13.wordpress.com

For the past few years I have been hearing more frequently the phrase “ancient scriptures” when the speaker is making reference to or quoting the biblical texts. I do not know whether the speaker is using this phrase intentionally or because it is currently the more popular language among bible teachers. Either way, its usage gives me troubling concern.

Whenever I hear the word “ancient” I hear and visualize something very old and having outlived its usefulness; something lifeless, breathless and having no power; something antique and preserved for memories sake or tourist attraction; something I do not need for successful living in the modern culture.

For me to think and visualize biblical writings as “ancient scriptures” robs me of the thrilling and relevant teachings for living in today’s culture, and of the enabling wisdom and power they speak into my life.

So, with my questioning concern, I did a quick study of the words used in the Bible to describe these writings and to the dictionary to better understand their relevancy for today’s world.

Job 32:8 – “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath (inspiration) of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.”
2 Timothy 3:16, 17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed (inspiration) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
2 Peter 1:21 – “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though
human, spoke from God as they were carried along (moved) by the Holy Spirit.”

The word “inspire” means “to inhale; to breathe upon; to breathe life into.” The word “inspiration” means “the act of breathing in; inhalation.” And the word “moved” means “to progress in sequence, as in the development of a literary or musical composition; to prompt (someone) to some action; actuate”

From these several definitive sources, I am led to understand that the origin of these biblical words from ancient years are all God-breathed, and all have his almighty, eternal, abundant life and power breathed into them for all generations. Furthermore, it is only by the breath of the Almighty that we receive and are given understanding of these words.

Yes, some of biblical texts that were written by men inspired and moved by God, where written for a particular time and situation, and are clearly so stated. And yes, Jesus said that his coming fulfilled some of the earlier words from God. But most importantly, he claimed to bring God’s greater and clearer revelations and understandings to the earlier written inspirations and Holy Spirit promptings in men.

So for me and my fellow believers in Christ, please speak to us about the “Living Word” of God; or honestly clarify your intentions in choosing to use the characterization “ancient scriptures” when referencing God’s recorded messages. For I have experienced the following biblical characterization to be true and believe it will remain true until the end of time.

“For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

“For the word of God is alive and powerful.
It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword,
cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.
It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 10, 2019
http://www.geigler13.wordpress.com

The history of our country records many stories of people who left everything they owned and came to America with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They risked their lives and their future for what they valued more highly than everything they were leaving behind.

They were seeking freedom to live, work, and worship without suffering ridicule, persecution, imprisonment, or death. And their intense desire for this freedom prompted them to resist the governing authority of England and establish a new nation were these freedoms could be secured and enjoyed.

The Statue of Liberty stands at the entrance to the harbor of New York, holding a torch of lighted flame as a welcoming symbol of our nation’s commitment to the freedoms of life, work, and worship for all who become citizens of the United States of America.

These promised freedoms were at the core in the formation of our nation’s government. The Declaration of Independence states that freedom is from God and endows everyone with certain inalienable rights. And so, the right to live and worship in freedom is considered a birthright of every citizen and is guaranteed in our nation’s Bill of Rights.

Likewise, freedom is at the core of our Christian faith. And its welcoming symbol of freedom is the Cross of Jesus Christ standing on Golgotha’s hill. It may be less attractive, but is more amazing and awesome in its promise of freedom.

Just as the statue in New York harbor lifts her lamp, welcoming and lighting the way to political and religious freedom, so also the cross on Golgotha’s hill invites and lights the way to spiritual freedom and eternal life for whosoever will believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

From that cross Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. …Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. … So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:12, 32, 36).

The New Testament begins with God’s announcement to Joseph that his “soon to be wife” Mary, would give birth to a son. God told Joseph that he was to name the baby, Jesus, “because he will save (free) his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).

Jesus began his public ministry by announcing freedom as the purpose of his ministry and message – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18)

In his letter to the Galatians (5:1, 13-14) the apostle Paul declared freedom to be God’s gracious gift to us through Jesus’ suffering and death – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

Having said that, I want to emphasize that although the foundational core element of our Christian faith and the predominant core purpose of our American politics are similar, the freedoms they offer are very different in scope and authority.

Spiritual freedom has very much to do with the preservation of political freedoms. I think it should be evident to us that spiritual freedom is the greater of the two, and is the strongest enabling power in the preservation of our national freedoms.

It is SIN, living apart from God, that prevents a person from experiencing spiritual freedom,
and it is SIN that deprives a nation of people from experiencing political, cultural, and religious freedoms. And so, I believe that there must be spiritual freedom before the other freedoms can be birthed and nurtured.

By accepting Christ’s gift of forgiveness and salvation, which he purchased for us with his own death on the cross, God sets us free from the guilt of sin. And by overcoming death through Jesus’ resurrection from the tomb, God sets us free from the fear of death.

Furthermore, in filling us with Jesus’ love and power through the indwelling Holy Spirit, God sets us free from self-contempt, insecurity, hopelessness, purposeless living, addictions, racism, and all selfish and unloving attitudes and actions toward others.

This greater and more amazing freedom that Christ offers to all who will believe and accept his Lordship is ultimate, complete, and eternal. And, I think that we who enjoy this freedom should celebrate its transformational liberty in our lives with grateful worship every day.

So, I say, let national freedom ring and let spiritual freedom reign, in the lives of people everywhere and in our nation always. Amen.

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 3, 2019
http://www.geigler13.wordpress.com