A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him] But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him], 34 And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return. 36 Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? 37 He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. (Luke 10:30,33-37) People dont want to listen to a recording of some sermon when the bottom drops out. They want a place to cry, a person to care, someone to bind up their wounds, someone to listen, the security of a few close, intimate friends who wont blab their story all over the church—who will do more than say, Ill pray for you. They want refuge. Stop and think. Who and where is your refuge for bruised believers? (Paraphrased from Todays Insight, with Chuck Swindoll) **after-word...ME I can testify to this. When I went homeless six years ago. All I wanted was refuge. It took a minute, and I prayed a lot during my time on the streets. My homelessness had brought me to my knees, before God, and I became born again. (*Thats a testimony, Ill gladly share with you in person). My point is, refuge was hard to come by. And some shelters, made you attend a church service and an AA meeting before you could eat supper. Not a one, ever asked if I needed some kind of counseling. Or just offered an ear. They were simply a cot and a hot, before bedtime. And that wasnt how I perceive Jesus....especially, if you call yourself a Christian Shelter. My Lord, has brought me through a lot. Since then, and still today. I rely on Him, because Hes never failed me. Even when I take mis-steps. Or even stumble. Hes right there, hand out, pulling me back up. Thats what Jesus is. Unconditional love. Help in the storm. A refuge, to run to. And thats something to be grateful for, no matter what. Like Chuck Swindoll says: People dont want a sermon when the bottom drops out, but a person who cares. Have a God Monday, and a Great Week!
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 13:32:12 +0000
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