Jesus talked a lot about how to be a part of God's community! He summed it up how to "belong" in two commands for his followers. Love God, and Love Your Neighbor. He even eludes in John 3:16 to the whole world being invited to his community. So, in Luke 10:25 - 37, its interesting how an "expert" in the "Jewish law" asks Jesus not about being a part of this community but how to receive "eternal life"....In other words, "What's in it for me?". I'm sure Jesus is amused and asks him what does "the law" say you must do. The man answers correctly the "Love God, Love Your Neighbor" and Jesus says, "Do this and you will live." But the expert just can't leave it alone...perhaps knowing his shortcomings with loving others and he pushes back with "but who is my neighbor?" Jesus answers with the story of the good Samaritan. In this story Jesus shows a community outcast as being neighborly to someone in need. Jesus focus isn't really on the injured man (who is the "neighbor" in the story), Jesus never even tells us who this "neighbor" is. Avoiding the expert's inquisition of "who must I be "neighborly" too, Jesus is focused on "Who (in the story) is being neighborly?"
I read a commentary on bible.org by Hampton Keathley, IV, who describes 3 attitudes of the characters in the story; The Robbers: What's yours, is mine and I'm going to take it, The Priest/Levite: What's mine, is mine and I'm going to keep it, The Samaritan: What's mine, is yours and I'm going to share it. I keep thinking about how this applies to our attitudes....at home...at work...at church..in our politics...and in contrast, how community works. We probably exhibit some of each of these attitudes in our daily lives and Jesus points to which one we should be striving to attain, regardless of "who" is in need. He even says in Matthew 5:43-48, its not about loving only those who love you...anyone can do that? How far are you willing to go to be compassionate and caring? Are you willing to overlook the cost - because not every person you're a "neighbor" too will respond with appreciation. He knew that too....personally....and he did it anyway.
We were playing dominos one evening and I was so sure my hand was going to play out and we would win. I told my partner, "I got this!" Just about then and unaccounted for domino hit the table and the game fell to the hands of our opponents. Sometimes I think I know exactly how God is working through me - and something falls in an unexpected way - and I have to realize - I am not the one "whose got this". He is! My job is to just play the hand....Jesus tells us how to do that. Quit worrying about who's in, who's right, who deserves it....be kind, compassionate and caring with everyone, be willing to lose...and He'll take care of the rest. In the meantime, rejoice at the opportunity to get a taste of what it feels like to be in the community! (Dam Family is a group of families who have been vacationing together for over 10 yeaers) Where do you find loving, supportive community?? If you have one you are blessed! Extend it to others! If you don't, create one...it can start with you!
I read a commentary on bible.org by Hampton Keathley, IV, who describes 3 attitudes of the characters in the story; The Robbers: What's yours, is mine and I'm going to take it, The Priest/Levite: What's mine, is mine and I'm going to keep it, The Samaritan: What's mine, is yours and I'm going to share it. I keep thinking about how this applies to our attitudes....at home...at work...at church..in our politics...and in contrast, how community works. We probably exhibit some of each of these attitudes in our daily lives and Jesus points to which one we should be striving to attain, regardless of "who" is in need. He even says in Matthew 5:43-48, its not about loving only those who love you...anyone can do that? How far are you willing to go to be compassionate and caring? Are you willing to overlook the cost - because not every person you're a "neighbor" too will respond with appreciation. He knew that too....personally....and he did it anyway.
We were playing dominos one evening and I was so sure my hand was going to play out and we would win. I told my partner, "I got this!" Just about then and unaccounted for domino hit the table and the game fell to the hands of our opponents. Sometimes I think I know exactly how God is working through me - and something falls in an unexpected way - and I have to realize - I am not the one "whose got this". He is! My job is to just play the hand....Jesus tells us how to do that. Quit worrying about who's in, who's right, who deserves it....be kind, compassionate and caring with everyone, be willing to lose...and He'll take care of the rest. In the meantime, rejoice at the opportunity to get a taste of what it feels like to be in the community! (Dam Family is a group of families who have been vacationing together for over 10 yeaers) Where do you find loving, supportive community?? If you have one you are blessed! Extend it to others! If you don't, create one...it can start with you!
