Read: John 4:1-42

Memory Verse: Proverbs 25:25

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

In May 1944, the Western Allies were finally prepared to deliver their most significant blow of the war, the long-delayed, cross-channel invasion of northern France, code-named Overlord. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was the supreme commander of the operation that ultimately involved the coordinated efforts of twelve nations.

After much deliberation, it was decided that the landings would take place on the long, sloping beaches of Normandy. There, the Allies would have the element of surprise. The German high command expected the attack to come in the Pas de Calais region, north of the river Seine where the English Channel is narrowest. It was here that Adolf Hitler had put the bulk of his panzer divisions after being tipped off by Allied undercover agents posing as German sympathizers that the invasion would take place in the Pas de Calais.

The disciples were surprised that Jesus wanted to travel through Samaria. The Jews hated the Samaritans (whom they considered half-breeds and heretics) and would travel out of their way just to avoid having anything to do with them.

They would also have been surprised to find Jesus talking to this woman (Jews generally treated women as second-class citizens) and especially one with the reputation she had (John 4:16-18). Yet the Bible says that Jesus went out of his way so He could be there to tell this woman about who He was and how she needed Him as her Savior.

The allies had to go out of their way in order to succeed in the invasion and defeat the enemy. We should be willing to go out of our way in order to win people to Christ.

Meditation for the Day: Who do you need to go out of your way to tell about Jesus?

Assignment: Make a list of three people that God has put on your heart to tell about salvation.

For Fun: Write “Good News” on a cup you use for drinking water to remind you of Proverbs 25:25