Shalom.‍

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The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a great lesson in discerning what is Godly wisdom, and what is not. As we read, a lawyer is asking Jesus about the way to inherit eternal life. When Jesus points the lawyer toward the Law of God for instruction, he is able to recite the truth of God’s Word, but is it real to him?  

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To love the Lord our God with our whole selves is often recited, but do we apply it? Similarly, to love our neighbors as ourselves, that would require that we do indeed love ourselves! How can we love ourselves in this sinful world? How are we to be able to apply God’s law in our own brokenness?  

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In the parable, Jesus tells the lawyer about a man that was robbed and wounded by thieves on the road to Jericho. Three different travelers passed by this man who had encountered great misfortune, but only one had mercy on him. A priest saw him and passed on by. A Levite saw him and passed on by. It was then a Samaritan that showed compassion.  ‍

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Go and do likewise.

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Friends, we are often faced with similar choices of where and when to show compassion. I know some of you who seem to always show great compassion to others, and to be honest, it is greatly moving to witness. I do believe we all have the opportunity and ability to show mercy and serve others in the way the Samaritan did on that road.  

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How? Let us remember that God is no closer to us than living within us. His Spirit guides us, and He promised His Law to be written on our hearts. When considering how to love myself, or why for that matter, I need to be reminded that I’m loving God within me. We are His image bearers, carrying out His Kingdom work! What’s not to love about that? When we live life with that understanding, His Word becomes internalized, and we understand how to apply it, which is wisdom. When the Law was external and written on stone tablets, it was condemning. When it is written on our hearts, it changes our desires and transforms our lives, causing us to experience Godly love for ourselves and especially for others in need.  

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I confess to you the times that I have been the one who has felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to help someone, or take action in some merciful way, and like the priest and the Levite, I passed on by. Recently, a friend was telling me about how they are convicted by the idea that sometimes, when it seems like our prayers are not being answered, it may be because people are being disobedient to their convictions from the Holy Spirit. This concept has opened something in my own heart. I’ve been reciting to myself, “Don’t be an unanswered prayer today.”

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Have you ever made the choice to pass by a situation instead of showing mercy and compassion, only to turn around and do the right thing because the Spirit’s leading wins? I encourage you to continue listening to that voice. He will never steer us wrong. We can have all the head knowledge in the world, which is awesome, but if we don’t allow God’s Word to change how we live, then we may be missing the point. ‍

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Go and do likewise. And, don’t be an unanswered prayer.

God, thank You for Your knowledge, and for the wisdom of how to apply it. Thank You for transforming our hearts into ones that love You and love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank you for dwelling within us, Lord, and I pray protection over your children as we go out and serve others. Please continue to reveal Your knowledge and wisdom to us as we continue our journey as a church through Restoration Life.

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In Your holy and mighty Name we pray, Amen.