Luke 10:25-37 In our busy world it is so easy to by pass people around us in need. We may see them but think, “I am running behind, I don’t have time to stop.” Maybe we think, “If I help it will cost time and money neither of which I have in excess.” Or maybe we just don’t want to get pulled into other people’s junk. Whatever our reasons or justifications, I am not sure Jesus would agree. He told the story of the Good Samaritan indicating that the religious people passed by not even acknowledging the person in need around them. They just acted as though they did not see. The Samaritan, a person from a half Jewish and half not people group was the one who stopped to help. The Jewish people hearing this story would have recoiled at it because they thought the Samaritans were beneath them and yet he was the one who looked, saw and did something about it.
I wonder how people in our world would see us? Would they consider us one of the religious elite in this story so busy about church world that we miss the hurting around us? Do they see us as servant leaders who are not above but right there with them? Do I use the gifts and the finances I have to help others? Am I willing to see who is in need around me?
I can’t help but think of the many workers who worked on our house. They had such great need and because I was with them daily I saw that and many of you joined me in meeting those needs, but who around us right now has needs. Don’t wait to encourage them and help them. Look at them, see them, and do something about it.