In the quiet of the early morning, a Rohingya scholar recites the Holy Quran after Fajr prayer—a peaceful practice shared by many in the community, holding onto faith and tradition amidst hardship. Photo by RBHafizu.
Last week I posted the following devotional on LinkedIn, hoping it would reach some of the Rohingya who are going through such a tragic time right now. I’m hoping that some of the devotionals I’ve written over the past many years, will bring Christ’s message of love to them. I’ve always believed that these messages did not come from me alone. I felt God’s hand in them and could not have done such writings without him.
I shared this story with my Rohingya friend Ro Niyamot Ullah, to see whether he thought it might be helpful to his people. These are some of his comments:
“Your reflection on the Samaritan woman is touching and thought-provoking. The story holds a powerful message—one of acceptance, value, and kindness beyond societal barriers. It beautifully reminds us that each person holds dignity and worth, no matter their background or past.
“I believe what you’ve written would indeed inspire many among us. In times of hardship, such devotionals can offer comfort and help remind people that they are not forgotten, and that there is still love, hope, and divine presence. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and would be happy for you to share this message with our people.
Niyamot ends by saying, “May we all continue to work together—across faiths and cultures—for a more compassionate and understanding world.”
HE TREATS US WITH DIGNITY AND WORTH
A STORY ABOUT A VERY SPECIAL PERSON
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
John 4:7-9
Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to be that Samaritan woman? To enter this story and experience what Jesus was for her? What he might be for us?
As we read further in John 4, we see that she had been divorced from five husbands. A woman of ill-repute, not respected in her town. Undoubtedly familiar with poor treatment.
Samaritans were half-Jew, half-Gentile. They were despised by the Jews who did not normally have dealings with them. And so, it was a surprise for the woman to be talked to by Jesus, a Jew. Not only that, as a woman she was considered a second-class citizen and not normally talked to by men.
Jesus told the woman, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (vs 10) “. . . whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (vs 14)
This gift of living water that Jesus offers describes the active and flowing source of life the Holy Spirit supplies when we become believers. Jesus himself is our spiritual fountain of living water. He offers himself to the woman and all who will accept his love.
The more I study this, the more I see it as a story many of us might like to enter into, especially those who are struggling and feel forgotten. I, for one, would love to be in as close proximity to Jesus as this woman was—to experience his acceptance and kindness. Though she differed from others in so many ways, though she was ill-regarded by others, Jesus treated her with equal dignity and worth.
If we were like the Samaritan woman, we might be looked down on by many. But Jesus would not do so. There was only love and acceptance in him. He sees us as human beings, equal to other human beings. If we were to do the same for each other, how much kinder a world this would be for those who are struggling!
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, your spiritual fountain of living water. Although you might wish yourself to be carried to Jacob’s well to be with him, that kind of wishful thinking isn’t necessary at all. Open your heart to him and he will stay close to you right where you are.
marja
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