ARE YOU A SAMARITAN?

 

A priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan… Sounds like the beginning of a joke.  Instead it is how Jesus answered the man who asked, “And who is my neighbor?”

 

In reply Jesus said:  “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

 

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

Luke 10:20-35

 

 

WOULD YOU LEAVE SOMEONE AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD?

 

 

I bet you answered, “No.  I WOULD HELP!  I am a good person like the Samaritan.”

 

Really?  Did you answer honestly?  You would help everyone?  Or would you hesitate just a bit…

 

With what is going on today (For future readers, the COVID-19 virus impact on our lives.), would you wonder if they had the virus?  Would you hesitate because you might catch it?

 

Maybe you would look around, wondering if the robbers were hiding and ready to beat you up.  Plus, you have heard about the scams where someone is laying in the road, acting injured, so you will stop to help.  Then they rob you.  Maybe this is not a real injury. 

 

Not having a donkey, would you worry about getting blood or other body fluids in your car? 

 

Really?  Did you answer honestly?  You would help everyone?  Or would you get someone else to help…

 

With cell phones, you can always call the police and let them deal with it.  They are trained.  Besides, if you help and something goes wrong, you could be sued. 

 

Today, you could not check an ill/hurt person into a hotel and say, “I’ll be back to pay the bill.”  But, would you be willing to plop down your credit card at a redi-med to cover the expenses of a stranger?

 

Really?  Did you answer honestly?  You would help everyone?  Everyone….

 

A biker, a girl with five colors in her hair, an atheist, a murderer, a homeless person, ..

 

 

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

 

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

 

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

 

Luke 10:36-37

 

 

A SAMARITAN HAS MERCY

 

Have mercy…Mercy:  a compassionate treatment of those in distress

 

But to have mercy you have to be able to feel.  You have to see the pain.  You have to see the emotions.  You have to see the circumstances.  And when you finally see, you have to feel.

 

The priest saw the pain.  He did not feel.

 

The Levite saw the circumstances.  He did not feel.

 

They saw the blood.  They saw the man stripped.  They saw a man almost dead.  They did not feel.

 

The Samaritan saw the very same things.  BUT, he felt the man’s pain and his humility at being naked.  He had mercy on him.

 

AM I A SAMARITAN?     DO I FEEL?     DO I SHOW MERCY?

 

Would I hear someone cry out for help and look the other way?

 

Would I listen to someone tell of their grief and not offer compassion?

 

Would I see the fear, in someone’s eyes, and not help them through that fear?

 

Would I…Would I help my neighbor

 

or

 

would I pass by on the other side of the road?

HOW SHOULD YOU LOOK ….

While we are confined to quarters, (The great Stay Home caused by Covid-19, if you are reading this way into the future.)  I decided to do a Bible Study and I came across the question:  What visible attributes can be found in someone who knows and is directed by the Word of God?

I quickly started to write a long list of descriptive words:  Confident

That is as far as I got when I heard a voice say, “Really Mary?” 

(I should have known God was reading over my shoulder.  I don’t know why he does that.  He already knows what I am going to say.  This makes me wonder why he doesn’t stop me before I blurt out something really strange, but that is for another blog.)

Well, I would be confident!

“Confident?  You?  Are you still nervous when you deliver a message?”

Yes.  But…

“No but about it.  Now, go google and then answer the question.  Limit it to four attributes or you will be searching into eternity.”

Hey God…

“Back already?”

Already?  It has been days.  I googled a lot!

“I barely blinked and here you are with your ‘Hey God.’  Are you ready to answer the question?”

Am I ever!  As instructed, I stopped at four.  Ready.  Set.  Go.

What visible attributes can be found in someone

who knows and is directed by the Word of God?

Confident:  A person would be confident when the Word directed them into action.

• Moses came to mind and he was not confident.  I often wonder how come you didn’t just shake your head and find another person to lead your people out of Egypt.  Moses argued with you, as if you didn’t already know he was lacking in the speech department.  And asking you to send someone else.  Can I do that next time?  Ask you to send someone besides me?  Never mind.  I know the answer.  He was not confident.
• Then I thought of the kid with the slingshot.  Talk about confidence!  David, grabbing his slingshot, bending over to pick up a rock, and taking aim.  No doubt in that young man’s heart that he would slay the giant.  I bet he did a “happy dance” after Goliath fell.  Confidence oozed out of David. 

Willing:  When the direction comes, they would be willing to serve.

• Mother Teresa, a little bit of a lady, said, “By blood, I am Albanian.  By citizenship, an Indian.  By faith, I am a Catholic nun.  As to my calling, I belong to the world.  As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.”  That has to make heaven shout with joy when one of your children so willingly goes down the path you planned for them.  What great things she did!  Mother Teresa could be described as “willing on steroids.”
• Of course, there is Jonah, who was anything but willing.  Talk about stubborn.  Yes, I know.  I could be a descendant of Jonah.  But, my goodness, you told him what to do and instead he runs off and gets swallowed by a whale.  He gets out, gets the attention of the people of Nineveh, and then… Then he pouts.  Where do you get these people?  Pouts!  Jonah certainly did not show one sign of being willing to serve.

Vision:  A person would be determined to carry out the vision they received.

• Do you know who S. Truett Cathy is?  What if I tell you he had a vision about the best chicken sandwich ever?  Bingo.  He founded Chick-fil-A.  He not only had a vision, he had determination.  It took seven years and $50,000,000 to perfect their Grilled Nuggets.  Mr. Cathy’s vision allowed him to help others and stand as a Christian in the business world.
• Here is another one.  Do you know Kahlon Ingham?  Ok.  OK.  Of course you know.  I get it, asking if you know something is more than a bit rhetorical.  Back to a vision.  Kahlon is a young boy in Texas who had a vision.  His vision was not grand.  It was a simple idea because he saw people homeless and they needed shelter.  He collected a few blankets and a few tents and he had help delivering them.  Kyle Ingham said, “Some of us see people that we want to help and we don’t know how, and a 10-year-old boy can look at something and say, ‘This is the way we address it and this is the way we help people.’”  Being young did not stop him from fulfilling his vision.

Dynamic:  A person would be dynamic.  Almost bigger than life.

• Billy Graham was dynamic.  He was known around the world.  He told thousands, maybe millions, about You and Your Word.  Without a doubt, you could see he knew and was directed by Your Word.  He was dynamic.
• Then I thought of my Grandma.  Believe me, she knew her Bible!  She was directed by the words written there.  She was not dynamic and she did not tell thousands.  But she told me.

“These are four good examples, but what have you learned from googling?”

I have learned…. I can answer the question…. I HAVE NO IDEA!  I thought it was an easy question.  I know a lot of Christians.  There is one big problem.

“What is the problem?  I thought this was an easy question.”

News flash!  Your children do not all act alike!

“Not news to me, Mary.  That is the beauty of it.”

Now I am confused, but that seems to happen every time we have one of these conversations. 

“How about I put it in very easy to understand terms?  Your examples are all good, but the best one is the last one….because it is personal.  Evangelist Billy Graham had a calling, but he was not to draw you to Christ.  That was what your grandma was to do.  She knew My Words.  She was directed by My Words.  She showed you the way.”

The perfect person for the job – is that what you are saying?

“Yes.”

Even though Moses couldn’t speak with flair and asked you to send someone else?

“Yes.”

David with the slingshot?

“Yes.”

Pouting Jonah and Mother Teresa?

“Jonah is Jonah and Mother Teresa… extremes and both perfect for the job.”

S. Truett Cathy and Kahlon Ingham …?

“Yes and yes.  Mary, there is no certain “look” for a person following my direction.  They look like… they look like themselves.”

And me?  Am I perfect for the job?

“The verdict is still out on that one.”

Oh, God.  You are teasing me……………you are teasing, right?

“Time will tell.”

READING THE BIBLE:

BIBLE ROULETTE – FIND THAT SCRIPTURE –THAT MAKES SENSE

I wonder how many people know how to read the Bible.  Do I know how to read the Bible?  Well, do I know how to read it correctly?  Is there a right and wrong way? 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.               2 Timothy 3:16-17

BIBLE ROULETTE

BIBLE ROULETTE:  The act of flipping the Bible open at random and believing God will supernaturally speak to you in this way; that He will guide you to a very import Divine message.

I promise each scripture was random.

Try #1:  Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.  Psalm 32:5 

Wow!  This works.  I did not have a question in mind, but God sure sent me a fantastic, life saving verse. 

Try #2:  You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,  Psalm 65:5 

Maybe I need to go to a casino, because I am two for two.  This verse says God answers us and is our Savior, the hope of all.  It doesn’t get much better than that.

Try #3:  Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,   Nehemiah 1:8    

I will admit, after two tries opening to Psalms, I tilted the Bible a bit to the front.  Again, I had no question in mind, but this  random verse doesn’t help me today.

Try #4:  “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today – yes, tonight – before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”  Mark 14:30 

A bit of a tilt to the back and the Bible opened to this scripture.  Pretty good verse considering Easter was last Sunday.  But what is God trying to tell me? 

I know:  I need to fess up, listen to God for an answer, be faithful or I might get moved somewhere far away, and do not disown Jesus.  These are all good points but Bible Roulette doesn’t make sense as the way to read the Bible.  What if I had opened to ….

FIND THAT SCRIPTURE

….Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.  Deuteronomy 28:26

Oh, now that was fun.  I looked and looked to find a far out scripture to prove that Bible Roulette could be harmful.  Who would want to continue reading if this was the first verse they came across?

Find That Scripture is used a lot.  A WHOLE LOT!  How often do you hear: “I am right.  It is in the Bible.”

If you read “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.”, you could prove Jesus did not want to die.

If you read “Then the king said, “Bring me a sword” so they brought a sword for the king.  He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”, you could prove the Bible supported infanticide. 

If you read “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.”, you could prove the disciples did not get along and they argued.

Find That Scripture doesn’t make sense as the way to read the Bible either. 

THAT MAKES SENSE

So what does make sense?  A few thoughts:

• The Bible is God-breathed so every verse is important.  Every verse has meaning. 
• The Bible is meant to be read in context.
• Reading the Bible is to provide spiritual nourishment by understanding and applying the truths of the scriptures.
• We have to be open/receptive to the Word.

Where do we start? 

• Find the right Bible.  I am not going to advise anyone on this.  There are literal translations (following the words of the original very closely and exactly) and non-literal (figures of speech).  If you want guidance on finding the right Bible for you, talk to a minister. 

• PRAY – Before you start reading, pray.  This will calm your body and open your mind to understanding the scripture.
• Do not try to read large amounts at one sitting.  Believe me, your mind will wonder, your brain will get fuzzy, and your butt will get tired.  (On occasion, you will get lost in the action and read and read and read.  Been there, done that…sorry dear lunch is not ready.  I will get right on it.)
• If you do not understand a passage, read it again.  If you still do not understand, make a note and go back to it. 
• A new Christian should read the New Testament first.  Read and search for how Jesus lived and allow His actions to become yours.
• Read more than a verse here and there.  You need to see what was going on, who was there, why something was said, and what was the outcome.  No Bible Roulette.  You need the content.
• Begin “new” and do not try to make the Bible say what you want.  No Find That Scripture.  As you read, let the scriptures find you.
• Respect the Bible, but the Bible is for you to use.  Either make notes in the margin or have paper or journal ready for notes.  Do what makes you comfortable. 

  

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1

through

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.  Amen.  Revelation 22:21

NOTE TO URBANA YOKE PARISH:  This image is on the website.  Can you find it?

IT IS FINISHED

Jesus was going home!  He was going to see His FATHER!  He was going back to sit on His Throne!  Jesus would have been filled with joy and excitement.  JESUS WAS GOING HOME!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!  JESUS IS HOME!!!  JESUS IS SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD!!!

Wow.  My soul is just jumping around inside me with joy.  I swear the Holy Spirit is turning cartwheels.  Doing handstands.  The Holy Spirit is putting his hand in the air, making a fist, bringing that hand down, and shouting, “Yes!”

==========

I closed the first two parts of the Easter message with TO BE CONTINUED, because my story - your story - our hope began the day Jesus said, “It is finished.”

It was not his life that was finished.  He arose.

It was not his work that was finished.  That continues.

What is finished?  Glad you asked.

WHAT IS FINISHED?

I am a sinner.  No matter how hard I try, I sin.  I try to not make the same mistake twice, but I even fail at that.  I am a sinner.  And I was lost.

You see, when Jesus said, “It is finished.” he was talking about me being lost.  He changed “was” to “no longer.”

I am a sinner.  No matter how hard I try, I sin.  I try to not make the same mistake twice, but I even fail at that.  I am a sinner.  And I am no longer lost.

Jesus was on that Cross for me.  To pay for the sins I know I do and for the sins I don’t even know I commit.  When Jesus died, my life changed.  When Jesus died, every blessing, every gift of God became available to me.  To me...a sinner.  Right there for the taking was hope and peace and grace and eternal life.

And one Sunday morning, when I was still a young girl, I walked to the altar and accepted Jesus as my Savior.

And someday, Jesus will take my hands and look into my eyes and gently say, “I love you Mary.  Look, I am ALIVE!  It told you everything would be okay.  Wait till you see the room I have prepared just for you.  I had them put some bubble stuff in your room.  Oh, Mary, the bubbles here reflect the jewels.  The bubbles can even look like pearls.”

==========

Jesus took my sin.  Guess what...HE TOOK YOURS TOO!  Have you accepted Jesus as your savior?  I pray you have, because we all need saved and we all need a Savior to take our hands, look us in the eyes, and give us the assurance that it will be okay.

HE AROSE

And...and, Jesus is so calm.  It will be okay.  Jesus is calm.

A very long time ago, the worst of man came out and condemned God’s Son.  And calmly Jesus died.

AND NOT SO CALMLY HE AROSE.

As you all know, my mind seems to work a bit differently than most.  (I saw your heads nod in agreement.) I do not picture Jesus coming out of that tomb as quiet and calm.  Jesus would have been calm, but everyone else ...  no way.

The disciples were still hiding.  I get it.  They were afraid.  I am always saying, “I wish God would put a note beside my bed, so when I got up, I would know exactly what to do that day.” The disciples needed a note.  Even though Jesus had told them, they did not understand.  Yup, they needed a note.  They were not calm.  They were troubled.

As the men sat around discussing, the women were busy.  They knew what they had to do.  And it was not easy.  As they gathered the burial spices, as they worked in silence, as they walked to the tomb, they had so many unanswered questions: Why?  What now?  But I thought...  Questions and no one to give them answers.  They needed a note.  They were not calm.  They were troubled.

==========

NO NOTE —- AN ANGEL

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples; ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

And immediately it was not calm.  No quiet thoughts.  No slow walk.  Now there was HOPE!

The air would have become charged with hope and renewed energy.  They ran!  The women ran!  They were filled with joy!  Jesus is alive!  They were no longer troubled.  The women had hope.

The disciples could not believe what they were told.  And told by very excited, joyful women.  Can you picture these men suddenly standing tall and hurrying out the door, instead of hiding and talking quietly?  Could it be?  Can you picture them stopping, looking at each other, and their eyes becoming bright with understanding?  Their souls were filling with hope as they turned and rushed to Galilee.  Jesus is alive!  They were no longer troubled.  The disciples had hope.

===========

The Easter Story is full of emotions.  There are shouts of Hosanna and of give us Barabbas.  There are palm branches and there are hammers.  There is the washing of feet and the sound of feet running away.  There is despair and there is hope.

And...and, Jesus is so calm.  It will be okay.  Jesus is calm.

I do believe Jesus was calm.  Except..except for when he arose.  The picture is always of Jesus, in a white robe, spreading his arms, and floating away.  The disciples, heads turned toward heaven, watching him disappear into the clouds.

I think this image is all wrong.  Jesus was going home!  He was going to see His FATHER!  He was going back to sit on His Throne!  Jesus would have been filled with joy and excitement.  JESUS WAS GOING HOME!

I found a picture that I think represents Jesus’ resurrection.

TO BE CONTINUED

IT IS NOT TIME TO WAKE UP

I don’t know about you, but I hate it when I wake up at 4:00 or 5:00 AM.  It is not time to wake up, but my eyes will not close and my mind will not shut down.  How can a mind be awake at 4:00 AM?  How can a complete thought even form at 4:00 AM?  It is not time to wake up.

A very long time ago, there were some men sleeping soundly, when they heard, “Are you still sleeping and resting?  Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.  Rise!  Let us go!  Here comes my betrayer!”

Waking up suddenly can be confusing:  Where am I?  What day is this?  What time is it?  We have all had this experience.  Think how confused the disciples must have been.

Hour for what?  How long did we sleep?  What is Jesus talking about?  A betrayer?  Why are there soldiers coming toward us?  Judas?  Why is Judas walking up to Jesus?

So much confusion.  So much happening.  And...and, Jesus is so calm.  It will be okay.  Jesus is calm.

No.  Do not take him!  What are you doing?  A sword.  An ear healed.  What is going on?  And..and, Jesus is so calm.  It will be okay.  Jesus is calm.

So many soldiers.  They have Jesus.  Fear.  We should stay.  Will they take us next?  Go now.  Hide.

==============

I can picture that night.  Jesus praying.  The disciples sleeping.  Judas leading the soldiers.  It is like a play taking place in my mind.  I have read it many times.  I have seen many movies.  I can picture that night.

But my heart..my heart wants to cry out, “Do not leave Jesus alone!  He loves you.  He has walked beside you.  Prayed with you.  Taught you.  He will turn his children over to you.  Do not leave Jesus alone.”

I can picture that night.  My mind sees it very clearly.

But my heart..my heart wants to cry out, “Run Jesus.  It is not time.  I need to know more.  I need more parables.  I need you to be alive.  I need you to take my hands and look into my eyes and gently say, “I love you Mary.  Look, I am calm.  It will be okay.”

I can picture that night.  I can close my eyes and it plays in my mind.  But my heart..my heart wants to write a different ending.  No trial.  No beating.  No cross.  No tomb.

And...and, Jesus is so calm.  It will be okay.  Jesus is calm.

I do not want to see the whip.  I do not want to hear the crowds.  I do not want to feel the earth shake.  I want to fast forward.  I want ...I need Jesus to take my hands and look into my eyes and gently say, “I love you Mary.  Look, I am ALIVE!  It will be okay.”

==============

As hard as it is, never forget that the worst of man came out against Jesus.  We condemned him.  We beat him.  We held the hammer.  We gave him vinegar.  We crucified him.

And...and, Jesus is so calm.  It will be okay.  Jesus is calm.

A very long time ago, the worst of man came out and condemned God’s Son.  And calmly Jesus died.

TO BE CONTINUED

PUNCTUATION

I know, I know, but I think Pastor Larry opened his Bible to the wrong page.  It is getting close to Easter and he read Isaiah 9:6.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

We all love this scripture because it describes Jesus.

            Wonderful                   Mighty            Everlasting                  Prince

            Counselor                    God                 Father                          Peace

What comfort to say Jesus is wonderful, mighty, everlasting and a Prince.  He is my Counselor, God, Father, and my Peace.  Then, just like the voice on as seen on TV, he said, “But wait.”  (Now he might not have used those exact words but that is what my mind heard.)  Wait for what?  I know this passage.  It is not confusing and what does it have to do with the quickly approaching Easter?

Well, doesn’t that beat all!  He pointed out that we should read this passage carefully and notice the commas.  Or lack of commas. 

No commas?  What difference could four commas make? Actually…a lot.

He is not Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty, God, Everlasting, Father, Prince, and Peace.  Think about that freshman English class. 

Wonderful, Mighty, Everlasting, and Prince are adjectives.  Counselor, God, Father, and Peace are nouns.

Jesus is my Counselor.  And no run of the mill, just out of college, barely passed the last class Counselor.  Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor.  Wonderful!  Jesus’ counsel is marvelous, astonishing, admirable, dynamite, first-class, splendid, unsurpassed, and primo. 

Jesus is my God.  And not just any god that promises and cannot deliver or found at every tourist shop or fashioned after an earthly being god.  God is a Mighty God.  Mighty!  God’s might is powerful, cosmic, enormous, super, Brobdingnagian (look it up), and vast. 

Jesus is my Father.  And He will never leave me.  A Father who is Everlasting.  Everlasting!  Jesus, a Father who is eternal, enduring, indefinite, ageless, immortal, and perpetual. 

Jesus is my Peace.  And not the peace that comes through having money or having family and friends or no trials.  Jesus’ Peace is a Princely Peace.  It is royal, noble, has high standing, and is Kingly. 

Now I tell you, “But wait!”

Jesus is more than a Counselor.  He is a Wonderful Counselor.

Jesus is more than a God.  He is a Mighty God.

Jesus is more than a Father.  He is an Everlasting Father.

Jesus is more than Peace.  His is the Prince of Peace.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.     Luke 2:52

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”     Matthew 3:16-17

Pastor Larry did not open his Bible to the wrong page.  He opened his Bible to the exact correct page and the exact correct passage.  The baby grew up.  The baby became our Savior.  Became our Savior when he arose at Easter.