Feb 1996 - Editorial

by Reg Parker | Category: Editorial | Feb 1996

Inextricably linked to the parcel of land which Jacob gave to his son Joseph (Gen. 33:19, 48:22; John 4:5) is the vision and promise of visitation. As he was dying, Joseph the Patriarch prophesied saying, 'God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence' (Gen. 50:25; Ex. 13:19; (Josh. 24:32). The visitation through Moses of Jehovah to Israel, who were under Egypt's cruel bondage, was a fore-shadowing of a mightier deliverance from stronger cords by a Deliverer sent from God. The intervention of the Triune God in human affairs, to put away sin through the death of His Son, was the supreme event of all time. In John 4, that visitation was grasped by the 'woman at the well' when she said, 'I perceive that Thou art a prophet' and 'I know that Messiah cometh which is called Christ'.

The promise of the Lord's visitation is laced with hope and the water of life for the human soul. The Man at Sychar's well is able to create in the human heart a well of water springing up unto eternal life (v.14) by faith in Him and His Word. All who accept Christ as Saviour have the hope of dwelling in the city foursquare in the new earth (Rev. 21:27). Because of His visitation and deliverance, believers will have the unique opportunity of being able to partake freely of the water of life which flows out from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In Focus, our contributor reviews the progress of the Middle East peace process. The land in the agreement includes the site of Sychar's well and the parcel of ground. It was occupied then by Samaritans with whom Jews had no dealings, but today is occupied by Palestinians, some of whom have no dealings with Jews. Only Messiah, the Man by the well, can settle to whom the land belongs.

Reg Parker | Feb 1996
Editorial