The Christian life is often referred to as a journey. As we look at the second part of Luke 10 we are given a travel account of unfortunate circumstances. Beaten, robbed, (luggage lost and no connecting flight), the traveler is left to the mercy of passers-by—his fellow travelers. The story presents two very different responses to the misfortunes of the man.
Response Option #1: What keeps us in life from bringing peace and healing to those in need?
The busyness of life—rushing from task to task
Our priorities—Jewish purity laws, keeping the sacred . . .sacred
Individualism—keeping our polite distance
Response Option #2: How does the Samaritan bring peace and healing?
He is attentive enough to notice the need that surrounds him. Slow down!
He stops and is inconvenienced. He bandages the man himself. Get hands dirty!
He shares his resources. Lets the man ride the donkey. Put other’s ahead of yourself!
He continues to care, even in his absence. Follow through!
The poignant expression by Jesus in Luke 10:5, “Peace to this house,” is manifested in tangible deeds in the second part of Luke 10: caring, sharing, and bandaging the wounded. We call it listen (notice), love (get involved) and pray (healing).
July 11, 2010. The Way Christian Fellowship. The Rev. Dcn. Kirsten Gardner.