Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, 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. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.; So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." ~Luke 10:25-37
Every time I've read this story, I've always thought that this was a story focused on the Good Samaritan. I thought that this story was about teaching mankind to become a more merciful people, as the Good Samaritan modeled.
However, upon reading this passage of Scripture this morning, I identified with the wounded traveler who had had things stolen from him. Like this man, I too can think of ways that I have been wounded along life's journey, and have had things stolen from me. I too, need the help of a Good Samaritan to come alongside me to bring me comfort and healing. Jesus is my Good Samaritan! Jesus is the One who binds up my wounds and brings healing into my life.
The second impression this passage had on me today was the call of God upon my life. I can hear God whispering to me through this passage. I can hear God asking me, "Monica, would you become a healer in the lives of others? Would you reach out, befriend, and help those whom I bring across your path?" I answered to the Lord and said, "Yes, Lord. I will go. Yes, Lord. I will do it."
God put it in my heart to be willing to come alongside others. Now may He open my eyes to see who He brings, or who He has already brought! Amen.
