The Good Samaritan

There was an interesting sermon yesterday, about the parable of the Good Samaritan. If you aren't familiar with that story, it's about a half dead man (he had been attacked by robbers and beaten) on the side of the road between Jericho and Jerusalem. A priest walks by and keeps going, so does a Levite. Two different men that are (were) considered holy people. The person who stopped, tended to the wounds and took him to a place to rest, was the least likely person of the times to assist him: A Samaritan. (Read about it in Luke 10:25-37)

We looked at it from the position of the half dead person, who was seeing people pass on by.

Can you imagine being in such dire straights and having people ignore you? Thinking that surely, this or that person would come to your aid, only to be disappointed?

On the other hand, have you ever experienced the extreme kindness of a person? One who helped you out selflessly and didn't expect anything in return?

I have experienced the latter.
I remember being about ten and ice skating with a friend of mine.  I was skating too close to the edge that said "thin ice" and yes, I fell through. The water wasn't really that deep, it might have come up to my waist, but I was soaked from head to toe. Being winter, it was SUPER chilly for me when I got out of the water. We changed out of our skates and walked a few blocks to her house....and I was still wet. I still remember my teeth chattering and the giant tremors of shivers.

Her mom was an angel.
Most of my icy clothes were peeled off of me, warm bowls of water to soak my hands and feet in and she had popped a few blankets into the dryer, so they were super warm when they were wrapped around me. That hot cocoa was the sweetest thing I had ever tasted....

To this day, over 30 years later, I clearly remember her kindness.

I know the parable isn't talking about a life of righteous works to gain favor from God and earn a heavenly reward...we already have that reward in the form of his Son. however, the example set by those good works CAN lead other people to a life of Grace, to see how the LOVE of God can make a difference in a person's life.

It is SO easy to see people in need and do something simple, as simple as picking up just ONE extra item a week at the drugstore or market and donating it. It is easy to give $20 to Second Harvest Food Bank and know it just turned into 100 meals. It is easy to take chicken soup over to that neighbor who has a bad cold....find a way to be a Good Samaritan today.

Blessings -
Dannelle