Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 94; Romans 5:1-2,5-8; John 4:5-42
The Israelites escaped from Egypt probably under Ramses II about 1300 BC. They wandered in the wilderness of Sinai, fed daily by God with quail and manna. But they continued grumbling, losing faith that “God was with them”. The places were named “Massah”, “test”, and “Meribah”, “quarrelling”. But God still looks after his people, giving them water. They are not punished now, as it is before they accept the Covenant God made with Moses on Sinai. But none of this generation will enter the promised land.
Paul tells the Romans that God loves and forgives us, just as he continued caring for the ungrateful Israelites. God proved his love in that Christ died for us, gaining pardon for all humanity. So we can be at rights with God and have peace because faith gives us access to this grace.
We hear the first 3 gospels over 3 years, but we hear parts of John’s gospel every year during Lent and Easter. Today Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. John carefully moves the characters on and off stage as the woman gradually comes towards faith in Jesus. Then, while still unsure, she goes and brings the rest of the Samaritans in her town to hear this man, wondering “Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
Psalm Response: O that today you would listen to his voice! “Harden not your hearts”.
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