Second Thoughts – Good Samaritan Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

It did not occur to me until after I posted yesterday’s blog that it was Good Samaritan Day.  It put me in mind when I realized it that we do not always get the full impact of the story Jesus tells in this case.  The parable is a short read:

Luke 10:25-37 

Then an expert in Moses' Teachings stood up to test Jesus. He asked, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"   

Jesus answered him, "What is written in Moses' Teachings? What do you read there?"  

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.' And 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'"  

Jesus told him, "You're right! Do this, and life will be yours."  

But the man wanted to justify his question. So he asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man went from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way robbers stripped him, beat him, and left him for dead. By chance, a priest was traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he went around him and continued on his way.  Then a Levite came to that place. When he saw the man, he, too, went around him and continued on his way.  But a Samaritan, as he was traveling along, came across the man. When the Samaritan saw him, he felt sorry for the man, went to him, and cleaned and bandaged his wounds. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  The next day the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. He told the innkeeper, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than that, I'll pay you on my return trip.'  

"Of these three men, who do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by robbers?"  

The expert said, "The one who was kind enough to help him." Jesus told him, "Go and imitate his example!"

A man from Samaria acts with love, compassion, and charity on the behalf of someone whose people hate him.  Jesus makes it clear that our “neighbor” is not limited to those across the street or next door.  Every man is my responsibility.  The needs of others are my domain.

So very much of what we do involves our neighbors.  We live in a constantly shifting community of neighbors with needs.  I must always be aware of my need to see their needs.  If I am looking to follow Christ closely then I must see those needs.  I must see that being a “Good Samaritan” is a way of life in every moment. 

If I practice being this person daily then when those big moments come I will be in the habit of doing what is needed for others.  Love, compassion, and kindness can be a way of life but it means practicing it in every moment.

Distressing Disguise – Michael Card

He is in the pain, He is in the need

He is in the poor we are told to feed

Though He was rich, for us He became poor

How could He give so much, what was it for?

In His distressing disguise

He waits for us to surmise

That we rob our brothers by all that we own

And that's not the way He has shown

Every time a faithful servant serves

A brother that's in need

What happens at that moment is a miracle indeed

As they look to one another in an instant it is clear

Only Jesus is visible, for they've both disappeared

He is in the hand that reaches out to give

He is in the touch that causes men to live

So speak with your life now, as well as your tongue

Shelter the homeless, take care of the young

In His distressing disguise

He hopes that we'll realize

That when we take care of the poorest of them

We've really done it to Him

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."