“If you only knew …”
Jesus spoke these words to a woman drawing water from a well thousands of years ago. She had cycled through several broken husband-relationships during the years, probably trying to fill up her life with temporary relief from who-knows-what kind of pain she was in. She was at the well during the hottest part of the day, when no one usually showed up. I wonder if it was because she was tired of the glares and accusing glances from the other women. A heart that is miserable and lonely can only take so much.
But Jesus met her there. And even asked if she would give him a drink of water from her cup. This caused her to pause. She was a Samaritan woman, and Jesus was a Jew. The Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other. When she asked him why he was requesting the drink from her, he replied …
… If you only knew.
If you only knew the gift God has for you.
Just think about those words for a moment. Of all the statements Jesus could have made, He chose that one. If you only knew.
We know his words were filled with deep, tender compassion. I imagine they were said softly, with eyes that conveyed a love that was far greater than any human relationship had shown her. He told her he knew about her sin, and yet, it wasn’t shaming. His words met her where she was and changed her life. He brought her hope. The promise of the gift of Himself.
During these weeks leading up to our celebration of Jesus’ birth, what if we invited our hearts to ponder those words from Jesus, considering all the miracles and wonders and answered prayers He has for us in the days, months, and year ahead?
If you only knew.
But perhaps you are more likely to do as I do. I remember with great detail all the times I’ve messed up during the last 12 months and those memories swirl around in a misery pit for a bit. And I recall vividly the conversations or words I wish I could un-say and behaviors I wish could be un-done.
But let’s think differently this year. This year let’s you and I focus on the Gift that is ours for the asking. The Gift of Jesus that brings his Presence, his Peace, and his Promises.
The great teacher Paul prays this in his 3rd book of Ephesians:
Now to him 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.
Just before those words, Paul prays, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.”
You and I may not have cycled through multiple husbands. But we each have our own messiness. And the same Jesus who invited the woman at the well to know Him personally offers us the same invitation. His Presence, his Peace, and his Promises.
Jesus is always inviting us to Come.
Come and I will give you rest.
Come, follow me.
Come with me to a quiet place.
And with that invitation He whispers, If you only knew.
During this Advent season, let’s create room in our hearts for Jesus to enter and establish his presence. Let’s ask for His forgiveness, grace, and mercy, and joyfully invite Him in to take up residence in the deepest part of our heart.
Open your heart to hear those beautiful words of Jesus …
If you only knew.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Psalm 103:2
