We continue with our "God and . . ." series this week, this time looking at the story of the Good Samaritan, one of Jesus' well-known parables. Jesus told this story in response to a question from an expert in the Law about the Old Testament command to "love your neighbor as yourself." The lawyer wanted to engage Jesus in a debate about who his neighbor was, but Jesus would have none of it. At the end of the story, Jesus asked the expert this question and concluded with this command:
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise" (Luke 10-36-37).
Let's look at what we can learn from the lesson of this parable that we can use in our own lives.
OVER-SPIRITUAL
I have watched people over the years over-spiritualize Jesus' command to "go and do likewise," and have done it myself. We are waiting on the Lord to lead and guide us to do good deeds, not wanting to get ahead of the Lord or step out of His will. It is humorous for me to picture the Lord saying to someone, "Who told you to help all those orphans? I wanted you to help 10 but you have helped 100! How dare you!? I wanted those other 90 to suffer and maybe even starve. Now I am angry!" Or "Who told you to visit the sick in the hospital or minister to those elderly people? I am the boss around here, and I didn't tell you to go. Now I am really upset!"
Both of those fictitious scenarios are ludicrous, but that is how we have acted at times, so afraid of getting ahead of the Lord, so fearful of doing the wrong thing that we do no thing. I heard a pastor one time say that the need is the call. What did he mean? He meant that if you see a situation that needs your help, you should not pray about it or delay. You should meet the need, and that may mean a significant investment of time and energy.
Still, you may be wondering, "But if I see the need, where is the Lord in all that? How do I know it's His will to be involved?" Good question; let's try to answer.
NOT EVERYONE SEES
When you see a need, you assume it is so clear that everyone must certainly see it, that if they don't do something about it, then they are callous or negligent. That may be true, but in most cases, the others cannot see what you see because it's not part of their purpose. When you go and see the children suffering or an organization's dysfunction, it's because you are viewing those situations through the eyes of your gift and purpose. When you see it, it's so you will get involved and educate others as to the need. Even if they aren't stirred to action, however, doesn't mean that you are exempt from doing something. You have seen it and now you must do something about it. The need you see then becomes all the call you require - and all the call you are going to get.
Where are you to "go and do likewise" by having mercy on those in need? Is it in your country or outside its borders? Is it in conjunction with another organization or are you start your own organization? Is it something other people understand and support, or are you to pioneer the work and lead the way for others to be involved? Is it a one-time need or something that you must do again and again for a few or many?
Jesus was purposely vague in answering the expert, not giving him the specifics of who was his neighbor so there would be no rules to follow, no easy answer to the lawyer's question. The answer for you isn't simple either, and requires that you be looking for a reason to act, not for a reason for inaction. Don't worry so much about getting ahead of the Lord and stop waiting for God to direct your every move. Armed with your go-and-do-likewise attitude, find those who need your help and then do the good deeds you were created to do. Have a blessed week.
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KENYA TRIP 2019: I have released the dates and information for my tour to Kenya for February 14-24, 2019. I already got my first two applications and I think there will be a big group going for what will be a wonderful trip. I am attaching all the information you will need below for you to download. Read it over and then consider joining me and my friends for a trip you have always dreamed of making. The time is now; don't let fear rob you of your opportunity.
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