Love Our Neighbors 10.25.08

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Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Luke, please read Chapters 10-11 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010-11&version=9

Today we will read about the seventy that Jesus sent out to preach the Gospel; the good Samaritan; Martha and Mary; Jesus teaching the disciples how to pray; and the Pharisees. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are to love all our neighbors regardless on their race, religion, or position. We can not be prejudice and choose whom we think we can help, we need to offer help to all who come our way as long as we are able to do so.

A certain lawyer, who was a scribe who and an official interpreter of both the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders tested Jesus concerning His interpretaion of Law. "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? " (Luke 10:25-29).

Jesus answered with an illustration, "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, 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 on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" (10:30-36). The lawyer's own interpretation gave him an excuse for his dislike for the Samaritans. His demand to know whom he must love exposed a life which was governed by religious rules and regulations.

The sufferer who fell among the theives was a man and nothing more, he had nothing to prove to others that he was their neighbor. The Samaritan's conduct was that of a neighbor who felt compassion and not prejudice for this man laying on the ground, left for dead. Our neighbor is anyone who needs our compassion and whom we have the opportunity and ability to help. It does not matter what his position, race, or religion may be. We are simply to enter into the feelings of another's sufferings or misfortunes as God has done for us. Whatever is mine actually belongs to God and whatever belongs to God should be shared with my neighbor because my neighbor was also created by and in the image of God.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We confess that in the process of being molded and fashioned into Your likeness we are often unyielding and struggle in the process of becoming more like You. At various times You place people in our lives that stretch and challenge us, which produces endurance and forbearance. Thank You for also placing people in our lives who model godly character and who courageously speak words of direction and loving correction when we most need it. Help us to graciously receive these messengers and promptly respond to the message they bring when it is supported by Scripture and spoken from a wise and loving heart. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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