John 4:25-26
“The woman said, ‘I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.’ ‘I am he,’ said Jesus. ‘You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.’”
“The woman said, ‘I know the Messiah is coming- the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus told her, ‘I Am the Messiah!’”
This woman had spent her life making poor decisions. Perhaps she wondered why and figured it would take the Messiah to straighten everything out. She thought about it enough it popped out of her mouth at this moment. I’ve always thought this comment was only casual conversation for her. Now I see Jesus knew her ponderings and hunger and arranged this meeting with her specifically. This changes the encounter from another opportunity for Christ to declare himself to one of his great love for this particular struggling, searching woman.
I love The Message’s translation of the last sentence, “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” This woman has arrived at her ultimate destination, Jesus. Now there is rest. This is just one and the most important aspect of the rest he promises us. Once we meet him, learning the rest of the rest is yet to come.
Lord, thank you for the rest I have in you. Keep me anchored to it. Teach me more of it. May it radiate through me to the world. Make me your faithful ambassador.