The religious leaders of the day believed they had it made, and yet they come to Jesus asking about inheriting eternal life and the greatest commandment. After giving an answer to the two greatest commandments, the experts of the law ask Jesus about who is this neighbor they are to love like themselves.
The story Jesus tells has "religious" leaders in it. It is the priest and a Levite who pass by a severely injured man on the road. However, it's a Samaritan, the scum pond of the day, who sees the man and goes out of his way to help him. His help is so extensive that he promises the innkeeper any amount of money needed when he returns from his journey for the injured man to receive the care for his full healing (Luke 10:25-37).
How do we respond to those hurting around us? It may only take an encouraging word or a prayer that assures the hurting that they are noticed and someone cares. We need to realize that if we behave like the priest and the Levite in this parable, then Jesus tells us we are without love. We are not loving the God we cannot see if we cannot even love the people we can see.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Learn to Rest
While in the area, Jesus visited the home of His friends, Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. He shared a deep love for these three. While visiting, Martha works busily in the kitchen making meal preparations while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. We don't know the internal workings of either of these woman, but we do know Martha approached Jesus regarding Mary's lack of help.
An observation of both women we would believe Martha displays the gift of hospitality and service while Mary shows nothing but laziness. Yet, when Martha makes a judgment of the situation Jesus tells her that Mary has chosen the better, and He will not take it away from her (Luke 10:42).
So often we get caught up in the doing that we actually forget what is important. How often do we become like Martha where we become "worried and upset about many things" (Luke 10:41)? We need to be aware that there will be times we need to be actively living our faith out before others. Yet, there are other seasons in our life where we need to be resting at the feet of Jesus.
Jesus will show us when we should be doing and when we should be resting. We need to not let others distract us from what Jesus is calling us to do.
An observation of both women we would believe Martha displays the gift of hospitality and service while Mary shows nothing but laziness. Yet, when Martha makes a judgment of the situation Jesus tells her that Mary has chosen the better, and He will not take it away from her (Luke 10:42).
So often we get caught up in the doing that we actually forget what is important. How often do we become like Martha where we become "worried and upset about many things" (Luke 10:41)? We need to be aware that there will be times we need to be actively living our faith out before others. Yet, there are other seasons in our life where we need to be resting at the feet of Jesus.
Jesus will show us when we should be doing and when we should be resting. We need to not let others distract us from what Jesus is calling us to do.
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