NOTE: This is a fictional retelling of a Bible story. See the footnote at the bottom of the narrative for
the scripture passage that inspired this modern version of the biblical account.
Of the six years that Aqua Wells had worked at the Emerald City Water Treatment Plant, this had to be one of her worst weeks. She was so glad it was Friday. Before going on her customary evening jog, Aqua needed to stop at the Fill-It-Up Mini-mart and Gas Station down the street, and pick up a twelve pack of her favorite fruit-flavored water. It should take no more than five minutes tops.
In the water aisle, she encountered a
confused man. He said, “I didn’t realize water came in so many different
varieties. My wife asked me to pick some up on the way home. She didn’t specify
what to get.”
Aqua felt sorry for the man and pointed out a
refreshing, wonderful sparkling drinking water that his family would enjoy. He
thanked her profusely for her help.
The next thing Aqua heard was a middle-aged
man with short hair and piercing blue eyes calling her by name. How did he know
her? She had no name tag on. They’d never introduced themselves to each other.
She was sure if she’d met this man before, she wouldn’t have forgotten him.
“Aqua, do you know that God is the only one
who can quench that desire deep down in your heart for love and acceptance?
You’ve had five husbands before you decided to live with your current boyfriend,
Manly Johnson. You must worship your Heavenly Father with your whole heart before you
can have a relationship with Him.”
Aqua bent down to get her water from the
lower shelf. When she stood up, she was going to give this man an earful about
how her private life was none of his business. The man and his water were gone,
and the cashier with the name tag, of Joycelyn Hebron, had just finished ringing
up a sale.
Aqua put the heavy twelve pack of
fruit-flavored water on the floor as she fished through her purse for her smart
phone. She texted Manly’s cell phone as quickly as she could. Her message said,
“I think we should both go to church this Sunday. I met a man that knew all
about you and me.
I will explain everything when I see you at
home tonight.” Aqua quickly paid for her purchase, got in her car, headed home,
and thought more about what was said by the stranger. She wondered where her Bible was at home. Aqua was certain the questions she had would
have answers in the Bible.
“The Samaritan
woman grasped what He said with fervor that came from an awareness of her real
need. The transaction was fascinating. She has come with a bucket. He sent her
back with a spring of living water. She had come as a reject. He sent her back
being accepted by God Himself.
She came wounded. He sent her back whole. She came
laden with questions. He sent her back as a source for answers. She came living
a life of quiet desperation. She ran back overflowing with hope. The disciples
missed it all. It was lunchtime for them.” (Ravi Zacharias)[i]
[i] Adapted from: All for One: The Towns of Ohio
Completer Trilogy by Robert Kinker, Book Two: Chapter Fourteen ”Talking
at the Water Aisle,” John 4:1-18
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