About the Narrator

Chris Blake is a retired Captain in the United States Navy and serves as OCF Chief of Staff. In his role, Chris is responsible for the daily management, supervision, and oversight of all organizational wide activities. 

This episode narrated by CAPT Chris Blake, USN (Ret.)

Does your stalwart service satisfy you as nourishment?

Today’s Scripture reading comes from John 4:34, quoting from the NASB: 

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.’ ”

What happens when the Christian leader stays true to the task and maintains focus despite signs of indifference and rejection? He finds satisfaction in a job well done and his efforts benefit those he is called to serve. From a close reading of John 4:7-42, one might conclude that the courageous leader who stays to the task ultimately helps others become better people.

The Samaritan woman received salvation, a regenerated life. Through her newfound faith, she pointed many others to Jesus. When they heard for themselves, they believed that Christ was “indeed the Savior of the world.”

The leader bridges cultural divides and finds satisfaction when he/she does not quit at signs of rejection. The woman at the well was a Samaritan and Jesus, Jewish. Historically, the two ethnic groups did not interact. Not only could Jesus have rejected the woman, she could have also rejected Him and refused what He had to. 

Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

  1. First, The leader keeps a frontal awareness of why he is doing what he is called to do. Jesus persisted in his offer: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Not offended, nor hardened by rejection, the leader keeps to the task.
  2. Second, The leader removes barriers for the good of the one in need. Jesus gave the woman the opportunity to confess her past mistakes. He did so without assigning condemnation or judgment. 
  3. Third, The leader’s satisfaction comes in doing what he is called to do. When the disciples offered Jesus food, Jesus had no appetite for what satisfies the flesh. His satisfaction had come in engaging this marginalized outsider and in crossing cultural barriers in the name of the Father and for the sake of a race of people who needed the message of salvation. The result was marvelous! Many Samaritans believed. Jesus did not vacate the area or seek a transfer; He actually went out of His way to encounter her. He modeled what a good leader does…He made himself fully available, spoke truth in love, spent time with the people and saw lives changed.

Jesus was so committed to His service that, metaphorically, it served as His physical nourishment. What about you? Does your stalwart service satisfy you as nourishment? Remember the words of Paul. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men.” Let your selfless service be your satisfaction and nourishment.