We tend to live our lives without reference to what has gone on before. As Christians, we may never have considered the Christian who prayed for us a generation or two earlier. Our own parents might not be believers, but it might surprise us to find that we have godly relatives in our family tree. Or perhaps the church we attend experienced a powerful revival in a previous era. It may be that the city where we live once underwent a major move of God. It could be that much of what we do today was greatly influenced by those who went before us.
The people of Jesus’ day were keenly aware of their heritage. Though Sychar was now a Samaritan village, it had once been a gift from the patriarch Jacob to his son Joseph. There was a well still in use that once belonged to Jacob. People were still benefiting from what earlier fathers of the faith had done.
We don’t live our lives in a vacuum. At times what people have done for evil still lingers on in a community for years afterward. At other times, a godly influence remains to bless later generations. Are you aware of the spiritual heritage of your family, church, and community? If not, take time to learn it. You might be surprised at what you find.