IMPACT BY PASSION (1)

“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” – John 4:34

“A Passion for Faithfulness,” by J. I. Parker, presents Christ-like models of IMPACT by PASSION: “Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (Jh.4:34-35). Parker’s book focuses on Nehemiah’s passion and commitment to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, providing a model of zeal and passion for God’s Work. He offers a thorough treatment of Nehemiah’s encounters, devoting an entire chapter at the beginning of the book to the psychology of Nehemiah the man, and his faithful passion to see God's Glory restored in Israel.

In today’s meditation text, our Lord displays a passion for faithfulness through His interaction with the Samaritan woman and His disciples. He prioritized obedience to God's Will, even when it involved unconventional encounters, underlining the urgency of sharing the gospel. The scriptures highlight Christ’s unwavering commitment to His mission and the value of embracing opportunities to share the good news with others, regardless of social barriers or personal discomfort. In demonstrating the impact of passion for God’s Work, believers are inspired to be faithful witnesses who prioritize the spiritual needs of others. 

Our Lord’s encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well testifies to His Passion for fulfilling the Father's Will. Despite the cultural and religious barriers between Jews and Samaritans, He conversed with the woman, unveiling His identity as the Messiah, and demonstrating a commitment to missions that transcend social norms and personal preferences. The disciples, upon returning from town, were surprised to find the Lord talking with the Samaritan woman. He used this opportunity to teach them about the urgency of the harvest and of proclaiming the gospel to others (v.35). All of the Lord’s moves illustrate faithfulness in action. He remained steadfast in His purpose, even when faced with opposition or unexpected circumstances. 

Examples abound in scriptures, of people with a passion for faithfulness, its transformative power and the blessings it brings.

Passion persuades! Daniel's steadfast commitment to prayer and refusal to compromise his faith, even in the face of death, shows a powerful passion for faithfulness. Apostle Paul was driven by passion, unwavering resolve, a quest for God, and a longing to know Christ more, and experience His Presence more fully (Phi.3: 7-14). Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained steadfast in his commitment to spreading the gospel and building up the church. The ultimate example of faithfulness is our Lord Jesus Christ: His willing sacrifice on the cross, driven by His love for humanity, is the epitome of faithfulness.