Quick-change artist

Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.

Scripture: Matt. 4:28-30 (The Message) The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.

Although the woman at the well has made a decision to follow Jesus, the disciples are still judging her because of her past. Jesus loves and accepts her wholeheartedly, but that does not mean everyone else will. Many single parents – whether from divorce or out of wedlock -- feel shunned by the church. This is sad, because the very people single parents need to feel loved by are keeping them at an arms distance. Usually, acceptance comes in time, though.

It should be noted that there are many parishioners out there ready to love on single parents. Many were once single parents themselves. Or perhaps they are elderly people who have children who are single parents, and they understand your plight. One friend whom you can confide your struggles with every few weeks can make all the difference in the world. Single parents need to take the time to heal and grieve and understand the changes that are occurring for them and their children and confessing your sins is a part of that process.

This story has so many gems hidden in the text. When the woman leaves her water pot behind, it symbolizes her burden to society. She can’t collect her water in the morning with the rest of the women because of her reputation. But after she meets Jesus, she is emboldened and goes back to town to share Jesus with everyone she meets. The fact that Jesus accepts her, despite her flaws, excites her because she can put her life of shame and ridicule behind her. People can see the change in her immediately. The best part of the story is the last sentence of this scripture: “They went out to see for themselves.” If this Jesus fellow could change the town harlot, maybe he could fix other problems. And he can, if you let him. Go and see for yourself.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, I pray that one person reading this goes and sees for himself who you are. I pray that you bring change upon his or her life, the same as you did the woman at the well. Amen

Doug Mead
Parenting Solo

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 155

This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/november.asp?version=51