I don’t think anyone would argue with this statement:
Being a servant often requires we step outside our box and do what doesn’t come naturally and or easily.
That is the basic premise of my sermon this Sunday. Being a servant often requires we become uncomfortable in our service. Sometimes it is disarming, in that we find ourselves in situations which try our patience; test our mettle; even call on us to make hard decisions.
Could there be any parable more in line with that thinking than the Good Samaritan? Talk about someone who went out of his way and out of his box! There was no love lost between the Jews and Samaritans so Jesus’ example really had to fry them. The fact He used two Jewish religious leaders as part of His story left little to the imagination. Amazingly, it was this man who wasn’t supposed to stop and help, did. It says he had compassion on him, bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them, put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn to recover. When he needed to leave he even left extra money for further care. I think I am safe in saying this Samaritan went way beyond what was expected, and certainly stepped outside the box to care for him.
The story is found in Luke 10:25-37. You now know where we will be studying this Sunday. And as always, your prayers would be much appreciated.
You have my prayers, Bill!
Blessings!
Thanks Martha.
When OVCF first started we had a prayer group and one thing we prayed very often was, “Lord don’t let us get too comfortable”. We didn’t want to become people who sat on our laurels and just went to church. We wanted to make a difference. Then God sent us you to keep answering that prayer!
Thank you Karen. I’m humbled by your words.
The Samaritan could have just thought that he needed to do one thing…but sometimes (actually all the time) doing the one thing leads you to doing another.
The Samaritan was smart… he finally left the owner of the inn in charge of the rest of the man’s recuperation.. with the promise of reimbursement.
Likewise… when we attend to those in need, we shall also get our reimbursement when the Lord comes again.
Whether we get a “reimbursement” or not I believe Jesus would want us to serve. But I do understand what you are saying Ed.
I’ll be tuning in on the podcast… Something I need to hear. —Though I may not want to hear it…
I’m shrugging my shoulders because I am a terrible judge of that.
I had a good Samaritan help me the other day. A young teen girl who was with her Dad seen I was struggling lifting groceries into the car and ask me if she could help. This white hair and handicap sticker draws offers of help often and I love it. what ever pride I had before on being helped is leaving as I age. Also gives me a chance to encourage them. I like the part of the Good Samaritan story that the help he gave continued on after the first encounter. To help someone one time is a good thing , to follow up with more comes from a deeper place. Great reminders.
I’m glad you found your Good Sam…or they found you. People do not know how much that means. And you are right Betty. More than once.