At Jacob's Well.

How precious were those moments time allowed
The Master to escape the needy crowd
For personal encounters, one on one,
In which he could reveal a human son.
For all of us must push the sacred line
Between what comes from us and the Divine,
Especially when dealing with the love
That comes through us to others from above.
Such was the case with one at Jacob’s well,
A woman full of secrets she could tell
But never had imagined that she would...
Until she met a man who understood.
Astonished that he even said a word
All barriers with him became absurd.
Unconsciously she tightly gripped the rope
In fear that she might even dare to hope.
He looked at her, with that disarming smile
The two of them together for a while
With empathy that she could hardly bear
Throughout the precious time that they would share.
Instantly a friend who even teased
Her for the other men that she had pleased.
But even being beaten at her game
She saw this man could love her all the same.
It suddenly was possible to live,
The power he was using to forgive
Was taking her beyond her deepest fears
If she would just believe the things she hears.
He did not speak a word of condemnation
But gave instead a wondrous invitation
To drink so she would never thirst again,
And rise above her sorry use of men.
So typical, the others were annoyed
At company their Master had enjoyed,
If only they could learn to live as free
From barriers that Jesus did not see.
So now the woman treated with such scorn
Was someone new for having been reborn,
By visiting a well of love that grants
To every precious child a second chance.

Copyright July 2002 John H. Bidwell

John Chapter 4.