There are many different types of churches today as well as a variety of beliefs in each church. Every Christian wants to be right in their beliefs. Perhaps that is why their beliefs vary somewhat.
The thought of being right had to be in the woman’s mind when she made the statement to Jesus at the well.
Jesus’ answer to her was interesting and should cause all who read this passage to examine their beliefs. It should not only cause us to examine our theological beliefs, but also our ministry calling.
Back in the days when I started ministering I was often asked, “What are you?” What they meant was, “Are you a pastor, evangelist or missionary?” Even though folks could clearly see what I was doing they still asked the question because I apparently did not fit the customary mold.
Answering such a question was hard for me since I had been doing some of all three. As a matter of fact I had a passion for all three. I really wanted to answer their question but felt guilty because I didn’t have the answer. This agonizing question was on my mind far too much in the first five years of my ministry.
One day while driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Kansas City, Missouri the Lord suddenly spoke to me in such a way that I have never asked Him that question again. I was so overcome by His presence that I had to pull my car off the highway for awhile as He ministered to me. When I understood His answer to the question I put my head across the steering wheel and repented for ever asking Him the question in the first place. That was about forty-five years ago and I have never asked the Lord that question again.
What the Lord showed me was that He was all things and He wanted to be Himself through me. Putting me in a category would limit Him as to how He could use me. Once I saw the picture I have never wanted to be anything other than an empty vessel for Him to pour Himself through.
I am amazed at how people advertize me on their marquees. Some say I am a teacher, others say I am an evangelist, while others call me a prophet. Each time I look at the marquees I say Lord this is what the people need from You today. I thank you Lord for allowing me to be the empty vessel that you are going to pour through.
God is raising up a whole new breed of people today that feel the same way that I feel. They know they have a call of God on their lives, but they do not fit the typical mold of pastor, evangelist or missionary. I want to encourage these people to yield themselves to the “empty vessel ministry” and God will do the rest.
Even though there are many today who do not fit the typical Ephesians 4:11 ministry calling of pastor, evangelistic and missionary…I still believe they are the foundation of all callings.
The woman at the well was seeking truth as to where was the best place and way to worship God. Jesus gave her the answer by saying “believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.” Verse 23 … “but in spirit and in truth”
Father,
I thank you for giving me the ‘empty vessel ministry’. Lord I know that you have a special ministry for all of your children. However, I am particularly happy for the “empty vessel ministers” who have no particular ministry, but stand ready to be used by You at will. I pray they will never be intimidated by the question of “What are you?” because “What You Are Called Will Not Matter.”
Amen
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (John 20:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:20-21 KJV)
Apostle John Dean Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved
Alliance International Ministries