"Meeting with God Series Two."
Rev. Dr. Charles O. Osueke
We are saying that whenever a man meets Jesus, he must surely depart through another way. Look at the case of the Samaritan woman. She was a notorious prostitute. She remained in that condition until the day she met Jesus at the well at Sychar. You know the story very well - John 4.
When Jesus met this woman who came to draw water from the well, he requested for water to drink. The woman couldn't understand why a Jew should make such request from a Samaritan (even a woman). At the time the Jews were refusing to have anything to do with Samaritans. But Jesus promised to give her a better one. The living water that will spring within her, giving her eternal life. And the woman without wasting time requested for it.
Jesus wanting to bring her to the point of transformation started unveiling the woman's past life. Immediately she recognized that she was not talking to an ordinary man. She dropped her water pot and ran home. Not to continue in prostitution, but with 'fire' burning in her bones to bring men and women to Jesus. And the whole city could not resist her testimony. They came and also believed. The Bible said, "many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, 'He told me everything I ever did.' When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay at their village. Now we believe because we have heard him ourselves, not just because of what you told us. He is indeed the Saviour of the world." That single encounter transformed the woman and the entire village. If you will open up even as you are reading this message, God will bring positive transformation in your life and also use you as a point of contact to many others.
The Samaritan woman went home to tell others what Jesus did for her, because her life had changed.
We think about Zacchaeus. He was a notorious cheat. The Bible told us on that memorable day he made-up his mind that he must see Jesus. He climbed a Sycamore tree just to achieve this aim. Let me say here that Jesus does not pass-by any earnest seeker. I hope you heard that? When you're seeking God with all your heart, you surely will meet him. May be you've made up your mind that you need God's intervention in your life this new year, I want to encourage you to hold to that decision because God must surely come to meet with you.
Jesus called Zacchaeus down and also assured him that he will be in his (Zacchaeus) house that same day. He (Jesus) is not only meeting you today after reading this message, but will also go home with you. I see this new year bringing forth your long awaited heart desires in Jesus' name. This year shall mark a new beginning in your life and family.
As they were together in his house, he made some confessions. And Jesus spoke these glorious words to him," today has salvation come to your house." That house was not to remain the same. As Jesus is coming to your house today, even your stubborn children will be touched by his tender hands and consequently they will start being sources of joy to you, and no more sorrow.
What do we say about the sick? They met Jesus in one way and departed another way. You think about the lepers; who cried out to Jesus, "Lord if only you wish you can make us clean" And what was the response of Jesus? " I will, be clean." And that was the end of it.
The blind met him and departed seeing. The lame met him and departed walking. Even those that were dead got in touch with him (Jesus) and came back to life.
You know about the widow in Luke chapter 7, verse 12. She lost her only son and they were in a funeral procession. Jesus saw her and his heart was overflowed with compassion. Look at how King James (KJ) version puts it,
This woman met Jesus weeping, having lost her future - the only son, Jesus restored her hope, her future and she went away glorifying the Lord. So shall be your portion today in Jesus' name.
God bless you.