JESUS SPEAKING

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.'” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly, do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 25 – 37)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, there are three men journeying toward their individual destinations. Despite passing by a man in desperate need, only one traveler chooses to stop and render critical assistance. That man alone put his plans on hold; rightly deciding to prioritize the preservation of human life above his other commitments. He was willing to be interruptible and to alter his plans when God needed him to accomplish a given task. This willingness to obey God’s will (or to do what’s right) at any time is a fundamental Christian principle.

While driving with my son recently, we passed by an individual begging for money on the sidewalk. She was an older woman, and although she seemed destitute, she didn’t appear to me to be addicted to drugs or alcohol. (I normally refrain from giving money to drug addicts as it only enables their self-destructive behaviors.) As we drove past, I mentioned to my son that we should’ve stopped. He remained unconvinced, and expressed his desire to simply return home. And yet deep in my heart I felt convicted. So we abruptly altered our course. After returning, my son handed her some cash and we moved on. I was willing to interrupt my plans to accomplish what I perceived to be God’s will.

Those who follow God must also be capable of altering their plans to perform whatever task God requires at any given moment. Being interruptible when God’s calling is obvious makes every genuine servant more useful. May we rightly respond to each of the Lord’s divine appointments, as we eagerly accept and embrace His will.

“Lord Heavenly Father, you truly are an amazing God. May we be filled with Your Holy Spirit, as we offer ourselves in service to Your kingdom. May we remain interruptible, available, and ready to accomplish whatever task You require of us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!