The Good Samaritan, Revisited

A different blog than I normally write. This one is me processing the sermon I heard last night. It was at The Crossing (http://www.wcrossing.org/) and the sermon was given by Steve Gillen from Willowcreek. (The sermon will be posted at The Crossings website sometime this week.) It was on a text that I have used and most of us are very familiar with--Luke 10.25-37--the story of The Good Samaritan.

So, if you remember the story, a Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked. He was beaten and robbed--they even took his clothes. [This was a very dangerous road and was known as not a safe way to go.]

The man is laying there, in the road, dying. Along come a priest and a Levite. [Their job was to ake care of people.] They see the man and they cross to the other side of the road and walk on by. They limited who they loved and they limited how much they loved--and even though this was one of their own, a Jewish man--they chose to not help.

Okay, then along comes the Samaritan. The Scripture even goes so far as to say, "a despised Samaritan," comes along. We are told "he felt compassion for him." So he gets off his donkey and begins taking care of the man.

Remember earlier, I said that this was a dangerous road--the bandits (or some other bandits) could be waiting to pounce on someone else. The Samaritan couldn't be blamed if he had just put the man on the donkey and taken him somewhere safe to take care of him. But, he didn't. He began taking care of the man right there . . . he "soothes his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them."

"Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he took care of him." AND then when he leaves, "he handed the innkeeper two silver coins telling him, 'Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.'" This would be like us giving the innkeeper our credit card and saying--whatever he needs, just charge it to me.

The Samaritan risked everything to help his enemy--not a friend--HIS ENEMY.

The Jewish man traveled down a very dangerous road, so it could be said that he had some degree of responsibility. No, he didn't ask to be robbed and beaten, but he could have taken a different road. But Jesus tells us here that it doesn't matter, if a person is responsible for their circumstances or not --we are to love and care for them anyway. (Amazing how we use 'being good stewards' as an excuse to not help others.)

So, in spite of someones bad choices, wrong turns, or their responsibility in a matter--none of that matters--we are to love and care for them with open arms and open hands. We are not to judge or decide how much help/love/care they deserve--we are just to do it.

Okay, here is the part that really kicked me in the butt . . . Steve said WE should identify with the Jewish man in the road. (I liked it better when I was told to identify with the Good Samaritan.) He received an act of free grace from someone who didn't owe him anything. Jesus is the Good Samaritan, the one who loves unconditionally, who has compassion on us, who doesn't pass by on the other side, but takes time to stop and care for us . . . He saves us. And it is only when we have experienced this kind of radical love can we be changed enough to love others radically. Otherwise, we are like the priest and Levite, measuring out how much love and grace someone deserves.

Jesus doesn't point a finger at us and say, "well, you got yourself into this mess--if you would have taken a different road--made better choices--this would have never happened." Instead, He sees the mess we are in and has compassion for us. He sees we are unable to help ourselves. He sees that we are dying. Yet, He stops and loves us and bandages us up and takes care of us. Even when we don't want Him to--even when we see Him as "a despised Samaritan:--the person we would least expect . . . or want . . . help from.

This is just some of the parts that hit me. Go listen to the sermon when you have some time. Allow yourself to be loved radically by Jesus, our Good Samaritan, so you can love others radically.

April 21, 2010
Today's readings: Joshua 22.23-23.16; Luke 20.27-47; Psalm 89.14-37; Proverbs 13.17-19

I Will Not Forget

Scripture

The years passed, and the Lord had given the people of Israel rest from all their enemies. Joshua, who was now very old, called together all the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel.He said to them, "I am now a very old man. You have seen everything the Lord your God has done for you during my lifetime. The Lord your God has fought for you against your enemies."

Joshua 23.1-3 (emphasis mine)

Observation

The Lord God was faithful to do what He said He would do for the people of Israel.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is easy to get caught in today, with it's problems, disappointments, and struggles. I forget to look at the bigger picture and remember all that He has done for me already. Instead I stay focused on today.

God has been faithful and his love everlasting--He has promised this. Just because it might not look like I want it to, doesn't mean that God has turned His back. I cannot allow the enemy to reign in my mind with his lies. I hold on to the truths that I know.

So, today, I will remember God's faithfulness. Today I will remember His love for me. Today I will join with the Psalmist in singing:

Happy are those who hear the

joyful call to worship,

for they will walk in the

light of your presence, Lord.

Psalm 89.15

Prayer

Father, how easily I get off-track when I focus on the situation around me rather than focus on You. Forgive me for the whining. Forgive me for doubting. Lord, as Joshua challenged the leaders of Israel--may I be challenged to--"Cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now" and to "be very careful to love the Lord my God." You alone are my strength and my salvation, Lord. Today, Lord, help me to remember who I am in You--Your beloved child. Thank You for loving me.

April 7, 2010
Today's readings: Deuteronomy 31.1-32.27; Luke 12.8-34; Psalm 78.32-55; Proverbs 12.21-23

God's Word For My Day

Scripture

Be strong and courageous! . . . Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31.7, 8

Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

"And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things cominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."

Luke 12.22-23, 25-26, 29-32

Observation

We are to be strong and courageous and without worries if we have faith and trust in God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I read these words and have a mixed response--first of all, they encourage me and remind me who truly is in control. But . . . . then I realize how weak and lacking my faith and trust in God really are. I hear God's promises and am strengthened by them . . . and yet find myself wringing my hands, wondering how much longer I can make it without a job.

And yet . . . I can look around me and see God's abundant supply for my every need. He has given me a great place to stay. Good friends who love me and encourage me and support me and demonstrate His great love and care for me in all that they do. I am invited to "be still" for a season and allow God to refill me, refresh me, renew me, and heal me.

I am finding that it takes strength and courage to "be still"--actually maybe more than to be busy. And in the stillness God meets me and tells me, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I am personally going ahead of you. I am with you; I will neither fail you nor abandon you." [paraphrased] In the stillness He is providing for me--meeting my every physical need.

So, today I will not wrestle, I will not worry--I will rest in His promises. I will be strong and courageous--not with my own strength, but with His. Today, I will not worry--for God, my God, is in control. I am blessed beyond measure. Today I will count my many blessings. Today the healing can begin.

Prayer

Thank You, Father God, for Your Word for me today. You know just what I need and then provide it. You knew that today I would be able to hear it, so You gave it to me today. Thank You. Thank You for providing so generously for me. I pray that You will bless all my friends You have used to be a blessing to me. Lord, You know that being still and waiting are not things I am very good at, help me to trust and rest in You as I grow in these areas. Help me to not get ahead of You. Thank You for loving me so much.

April 6, 2010
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29.1-30.20; Luke 11.37-12.7; Psalm 78.1-31; Proverbs 12.19-20

A Message for Today

Scripture

And all the surrounding nations will ask, "Why has the Lord done this to this land? Why was he so angry?"

And the answer will be, "This happened because the people of the land abandoned the covenant that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, made with them when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. Instead, they turned away to serve and worship gods they had not known before, gods that were not from the Lord."

Deuteronomy 29.24-26

Observation

There are consequences when we turn away from God--whether it is individually or as a nation.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The Scripture today underscores the reason why our country is in the shape it is in. We have turned away from God. We think we can do it on our own--that we don't need Him. We worship and serve other gods.

What are the personal implications to the reading today? What other gods do I serve and worship--what gets in the way of my service and worship of my God??

The Good News is found beginning in Deuteronomy 30.1: In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you." (emphasis mine)

Today may I turn my heart toward home--toward God. May I love Him, and Him alone, with all my heart, all my strength, all my mind, all my soul--and love my neighbor as myself.

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for turning away from you. May my service and worship be to You and You alone. Help me to see others through Your eyes and give me Your love for others. And, Lord, may our nation return to You. We have moved so far away. May I do my part to point us back in the right direction.

Life Journal, January 19, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 47-48; Psalms 10; Luke 19

Jesus' Mission

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."

Luke 19.10

Observation

Jesus had a clear mission--to seek and save the lost.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The story of Zacchaeus is one of my favorite Bible stories. Once again, we see Jesus hanging with a "notorious sinner." Not the first time He did it (Luke 5.27-32). . . and I am sure it wasn't the last. And, "the people were displeased." They wanted Him to hang out with the good "religious" folk--not "scum" and "notorious sinners."

But what does Jesus say, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Jesus tells them that He has come to "seek and save the lost." He knows His mission here.

So often people say they want to know what their mission is--what they are called to do. If Jesus' mission was to "seek and save the lost," shouldn't ours be to "seek and point folks to Jesus--who has the power to save them?"

If we love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind . . . and our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22.37-40) then the mission of Christ follows--to seek and save the lost. Because if we love our neighbor, we will want them to find salvation through Jesus. We, like Jesus, will not anyone to perish (2 Peter 3.9).

So, how will this impact my life today . . . it makes me examine my own life and ask: who am I hanging with? Is Jesus' mission mine? Do I actively seek out the lost and love them and point them to Jesus? There is definitely room for improvement in my life.

Funny, one of the things that gets me in trouble at church is the fact that I love the lost and have a heart for reaching them. Hmmmm. . . .I'd say I'm in pretty good company if that is how people see me. May I always be seen as someone who loves the lost, seeks them out, and points them to Jesus.

Prayer

Father God, I want to be more and more like Jesus. Give me a heart after Your heart--one that loves the lost. Give me the opportunity to seek them out. And, may I boldly point them to You!

Life Journal, January 7, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 18-19; Psalms 3; Luke 7

Inappropriate Laughing

Scripture

"Where is Sarah, your wife?" the visitors asked.

"She's inside the tent," Abraham replied.

Then one of them said, "I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!"

Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. So she laughed silently to herself and said, "How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master--my husband--is also so old?"

Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, "I didn't laugh."

But the Lord said, "No, you did laugh."

Genesis 18.9-15

Observation

Sarah didn't believe what the Lord was promising would happen.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Right now, I find that I am a lot more like Sarah than I would like to admit. I find that I am doubting and to cover it--laughing inappropriately. (That's what I do when I am uncomfortable--the nervous laugh thing.)

I want to believe--but it just seems impossible.

I've believed before . . . and it didn't happen (at least not my way and in my time).

So now, I'm laughing--not really the appropriate time for a laugh, but I don't know what else to do. Deep down inside I'm hoping, but at the same time I am afraid to believe.

So, what does that mean for today? Honestly, I'm not sure. I know what it should mean--but . . . . .

What I can hold on to is that even though Sarah laughed--He still did what He promised. That I will hold on to.

Prayer

Lord, You know I'm struggling right now. Forgive me and help my unbelief. I'm afraid to trust--even though I know that I can trust You and You alone. Thank You for Your patience with me. I'm trying, I really am. Please help me . . .

Life Journal, January 4, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

Truth Doesn't Always Make People Happy

Scripture

He [Jesus] taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. . . . Everyone spoke well of him [Jesus] and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. . . . When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him [Jesus] and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff.

Luke 4.15, 22, 28-29

Observation

Everyone liked Jesus' teaching/preaching . . . until it got upclose and personal.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Speaking the truth got Jesus in trouble. Speaking the truth gets me in trouble, sometimes. How do I react when I hear the truth? It is easy to shake my head at others who stiffen their backs and allow hardened hearts to the truth. But, how do I react to it?

Most of us don't like the truth if it hits too close to home and we see the error of our ways. It's hard to admit that we are wrong--no matter how much better the truth might be. We would rather be right--even more so when we are wrong.

I work very hard at telling the truth, even when it is the hard thing to do. I want to be known as a "truth teller." But, can I stand to hear it?

God has often spoken to me when I am sharing the truth with another. He uses that opportunity to say--you need to hear this too. I try to brush it aside, but can't.

I can be just as guilty as everyone else when it comes to not really wanting to hear the truth. I like to think I have gotten better . . . but I still have room to listen--and grow.

So today, rather than get defensive or angry or put-off by the truth, I will listen and ask God to reveal to me the truth that He wants me to hear in the message.

Prayer

Amazing, loving God, help me to hear the truth--Your truth. Help me to use it to grow and become more and more the person who want me to be . . . and have created me to be. And, Lord, as I speak the truth, may it only be Your truth that I speak.

Life Journal, January 3, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 6-8; Luke 3

Does It Show?

Scripture

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Luke 3.8a

Observation

My life should show evidence that I have given it to God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I would like to think that my life always shines brightly with the light of God. But honestly, I know it doesn't. And it doesn't take a whole lot of looking to see where I fall painfully short. How can I be a witness, a light, for God if my life doesn't reflect Him in all things? Instead of allowing Him to change me and make me into the person He wants, I find a hundred reasons not to--all really good excuses . . . at least at the moment they seem good.

Repenting of my sins and turning to God is not a one time event . . . but a daily [and sometimes hourly] one. I have to be intentional about it, or I easily slip into old habits and sins--without even thinking about it.

So may I think before I speak and act, may I look with love (God's love) at others--not judgment, may I look into my own heart and life and intentionally move away from my sin, may I trust God fully and follow Him--and Him alone--every day.

Prayer

Father God, I slip so easily into my old ways. Forgive me. I repent from the sin in my life that keeps me from reflecting You in my life. May I live my life in a way that demonstrates that You are my Lord and Savior. Forgive my doubting. You alone are faithful and true. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You. I cannot walk with You if I'm not looking and following Your path. Thank You that You never give up on me!