Monday, June 30, 2014 Clarity In My Charity Scripture - “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? ” “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.” [Prove Yourself to be a neighbor] (Luke 10:36, 37 HCSB) Observation - The story of the Good Samaritan is very familiar -- too familiar. Its supposed lesson is that I should not overlook the suffering man on the side of the road (which is true!), but Jesus question wasnt who needs me to be their neighbor? - it was: Who proved to be a neighbor? The answer was, the one I least expected! The one I dont want to be the hero, the one whos so much easier to hate than to love! Jesus parable, when seen for what it is, is scandalous. Scandalous because it calls upon me to acknowledge my enemys humanity and capacity to care. This was not Jesus stamp of approval on the Samaritan lifestyle (see John 4:22), it was, and is, a call for me to love the Samaritan - where he is right, and where he is not - and to see HIM as my neighbor. Later, Jesus would say: Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. (Luke 12:32, 33 HCSB) The Christian charity Jesus speaks of here extends well beyond money, it is a charity that is not afraid to love because its invested in the Kingdom! Application - What fears are keeping me from loving my enemies? What Kingdom commodities does the Father want to give me so that I can? Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1 HCSB) Prayer - O Friend of sinners, may I be that too! Deliver me from the fears I use as an excuse not to love. Show me that I can love my enemies because You loved me while I was still Your enemy - an enemy of the cross. Deliver me too from my hypocrisy, that sin which is oh so easy to cling to. Grant me Your Clarity, in my charity! Amen, I agree.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:56:36 +0000
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