Check Your Surroundings

July 15, 2021

And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

~Luke 10:37~

All too often we get caught up in our own priorities and we miss opportunities to help someone who God may be pointing us to help. There is much pain in this world. There are many who are without shelter, food, in abusive situations or just alone in general physically. As we follow Jesus we are to be like Jesus. How else will these hurting souls see Him? If we are too busy thinking about what we need every moment of the day, who could we be ministering to in those time frames of our own internal whining? Does God give us the gifts of heaven to keep them to ourself? Surely not.

"Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel."

(I Corinthians 14:12)

The Lord has sent us on a mission, yet He does not force us to follow through. This is a decision we are to make on our own. The story of the good samaritan is often preached about as it is an example of how Christ tells us to be in order to be a true follower in the heart. The priest and the Levite made their own decision by passing by a wounded and broken man for their own gain. The samaritan man also made a decision, this one to be wise in the eyes of Jesus. He sacrificed his time, supplies and money for this mans well being. This is love my friends. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (I John 4:7)

Jesus used this parable to explain the glory of truely stepping out for the ones who need us the most. He wants us to see the danger of making judgement calls based on our own emotion and thoughts. "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:2)

We must set aside our religious spirits and take on the Lord's heart in each matter. For if this samaritan man had passed along too, this wounded man could of very well died on the side of the road. The decisions we make can be a matter of someones life or death. Do we hesitate speaking about the gospel to someone in fear of what they may think? We are putting that person's life at risk now. Do we ignore the one man or woman who sits alone in the back of the church because we just "can't relate" to them? We could be wounding their hearts. Do we put ourselves above others who are reaching out for help? We may be pushing them further away from feeling love. If we claim to follow Jesus, let us follow Him then. "Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21)

If we know who Jesus is personally we will grow to be like Jesus, carrying the compassion that says "what can I do for you?" Its a beautiful thing to serve others and watch as their faces light up because someone is finally paying attention to them. Or be that witness that helps them get to Jesus and be set free from their pain. This samaritan man is exactly how Jesus calls us all to be if we claim to love God. For if we cannot love others, we do not know God, we merely know of God. Religion will not get us anywhere but caught up in our own foolishness. A relationship with Jesus Christ will bring the Light upon us and cause us to to bring Kingdom on earth each day. The samaritan man was doing just that, he was bringing heaven on earth by taking care of all of his needs without even questioning it. This is the model of Jesus Christ and I urge us all to follow it. We need to put aside selfishness and judgement as we say we believe. The Lord sent us out to do His will and we have the decision to submit or rebel.

"Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness." (Psalms 95:8)

Let us want to love and go to those who others think to be "a waste of time." Let us take our eyes off ourselves and check our surroundings for those who may be in serious need, for when we do Heaven rejoices and Christ is shown.

Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, how thankful I am that You love me. You sacrificed all of Your love and time for me and I strive to do the very same for Your children. My heart yearns to reach the lost, broken and ignored souls. If there is anyway in me that is selfish Lord, I ask You to break it off me and teach me to carry the love of God. I am blessed to be Your vessel. I know You go before me and make a way for others to know You. I pray for the hurt and the lonely to receive this love in which I feel.

I praise You for this day which You have made and give You all glory. In Yeshua's Name I pray. Amen.