A Good Shepherd and a Good Samaritan
by Mike Robinson
 |
| Jesus is the Good Samaritan |
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, 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).
This is a passage that teaches us to help those
in need; even those who are not our friends and may even be our adversaries.
It’s a great lesson and an important call.
But what’s interesting. What’s really comforting:
The Good Samaritan is best pictured as Jesus Himself. In our world, we are
fallen sinners. We fall among sinners and are wounded by our own sins as well
as the transgressions of others. We in this world are left for dead. And
religion (priest and Levite) does not help our deepest needs.
Indeed, a certain stranger (the Son of God)
journeyed to earth and came to where we were. And Jesus had compassion on us.
So Jesus went to us and bandaged our wounds,
pouring on oil (anointing of the Spirit) and wine (the blood of Christ). And he
then takes us to an inn, the church, and takes cares of us. He leaves for
Heaven, but gives the Holy Spirit for the continuation of our care. And He
says, “When I come again, I will repay.” Jesus shows mercy on us by giving
Himself and caring for us with tender mercy. Let us delight in our Good
Samaritan and as we receive His mercy, let us extend it as well.
Delight in Heaven
 |
| Heaven is marvelous |
I know in Heaven I will be absolutely amazed to discover
the numerous times God spared my life, paid my bills, protected me, and helped
me when I was unaware. I shall praise Him for “all the things He has done for
me.” Jesus is a person; a person who loves His people deeply and forever. He is
not mere ritual, tradition, or ceremony. Trust Him and serve Him with your
religious expressions and Bible-based traditions, but never let such things
substitute for the wonder of Jesus.
To go to Heaven,
fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations
here: better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the
company of any or all earthly friends. These are but shadows; but God is the
substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but
streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean
(Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan
Edwards).
In its
essence, faith is a confidence in the person of Jesus Christ and in His power,
so that even when His power does not serve my end, my confidence in Him remains
because of who He is (Ravi Zacharias, Jesus
Among Other Gods).
May the God
of Hope with you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him; may your overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
For more see
my book Jesus Is Calling You to Himself HERE on Amazon
Sunday Services Our Sunday services are an opportunity for
people to come and enjoy time together—whether it's their first time or they've
been coming for years. Being in community impacts lives and reminds us that we
can't do life alone.
524 Crockett St. just of the Granbury Square, right next to the US Post Office. 682-498-3031
http://www.ALccGranbury.com
ALccGranbury at FaceBook and Twitter
http://www.ALccGranbury.com
ALccGranbury at FaceBook and Twitter
Comments
Post a Comment