Our water filter was empty the other day, so I poured my son some water from the tap. He said, “This tastes like the swimming pool.” After a quick sip, I realized he was right. Our Cypress, TX water has a lot of chlorine in it. Way more than should be necessary. I had forgotten, because we often have plenty in our water filter at home, which cleans all of that out for us.

Then there is well water. Growing up in Minnesota, my friends with wells had amazing water. It was cold, refreshing, clear, clean and thirst-quenching. I loved it!

I can imagine Jesus walking through the dusty roads of Samaria, his water pouch running short, the food nearing the end and pretty tired from the travel. He and his disciples get into town and they decide to go grab some snacks. Jesus decides to stay behind at Jacob’s well. Yep, THE Jacob. The one who wrestled with God and then God named him Israel. THAT Jacob. He had dug the well centuries before and it still provided for the area. Wow. Now, that’s a well.

A little context: Jesus was a Jew and he was in Samaritan country. The Jews and the Samaritans pretty much despised each other. Then this woman arrives at noon and Jesus asks her for a drink. There are so many layers to this story, so we’re not going to talk about their whole conversation and the power behind it (maybe in another blog. or watch this video as a bonus – it’s awesome too. Okay and this one acts it out verbatim!)

Sorry about the youtube tangent.

I want to focus on the fact that this woman, who went to the well to be alone, who shouldn’t be talking to a Jew, who isn’t respected in the community for her actions, who the disciples are appalled at…actually shares her bucket with Jesus and provides a drink to him.

Not just a stranger. An enemy. A rival.

In our current world’s climate, I sense a growing unease with sharing our “well” with someone we’re told not to trust (for whatever reason). It takes a deep well of faith and trust in God to know that He has called us all to share our wells. The precious, historic, valuable, refreshing parts of our lives, which could offer hope and joy to another human. Someone also created in the image of God and loved by God.

What if we just started, literally, with a dip from our well. Offer a neighbor a drink. Start a conversation. Invite them into your space and see what God does. It’s a small step. That woman took a chance and Jesus changed her life. We all carry Jesus with us. Let’s dip into the limitless spring of His life-giving water and see what happens.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your Spirit is always guiding and directing us. Lead us toward those who need to sip from your well of life and goodness. Let us always have a hand open to offer a drink of water or hope to those who need it. Help us not to be afraid of those different from us. Assure us that Your well is deep enough for all to drink and we are just jars of clay waiting to pour You out to the world. Amen.

Lyrics

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji

Do you think the water knows
Flowing down the mountain thaw
Finally to find repose
For any soul who cares to draw
Some kindred keepers of this Earth
On their way to join the flow
Are cast aside and left to thirst
Tell me know it is not so

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

All God’s creatures share the water hole
The bleesed day the monsoon comes
And in His image we are woven
Every likeness every one
From Kashmir to Karala
Under every banyan tree
Mothers for their children cry
With empty jar and bended knee

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji

You know I’ve heard good people say
There’s nothing I can do
That’s half a world away
Well maybe you’ve got money
Maybe you’ve got time
Maybe you’ve got the Living Well
That ain’t every running dry

Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend

Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji