July 28, 2018

Who Is Your Neighbor?

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

– Luke 10:29

This wasn’t just any man questioning Jesus. The Bible tells us he was an expert in the law. He wanted to test Jesus. But Jesus always has a way of turning the test back to the person asking the question.

What must you do to inherit eternal life? Love God with all your heart and soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus let the man answer for himself and then assured the “expert” that he had answered correctly.

But the man, much like us, wouldn’t leave it there. He wanted to know who his neighbor actually was. And Jesus, being Jesus, answered with a parable designed to cut right to the heart of the matter. We would do well to heed His words today.

Some Christians believe their neighbor is only an American. What do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus only meant for us to love those like us, those who share an earthly citizenship with us?

When Jesus told us to go forth and make disciples of all nations I guess He didn’t intend for those disciples to be our neighbors. Maybe Jesus never expected us to love them, to have mercy on them, to include them. What do you think? Did Jesus expect us to look down on others, much the way the Pharisees looked down on Gentiles (that would be me) and Samaritans?

We know the parable well. We call it the parable of the Good Samaritan. We understand that someone should help those in need. Just not us. That’s especially true if it means we might have to get our hands dirty or share what we have claimed as our own.

What did you sacrifice to live in this country? For most of us, the answer is absolutely nothing. We are here, enjoying the freedoms and privileges, because it’s where we were born. Most have never served in the military or fought in a foreign land. We don’t have a clue about a lifetime of daily suffering and fear.

Yet we reject those who come to us for refuge. We blatantly cast aside those who are hurting without bothering to hear their story. We tell ourselves they aren’t our neighbors. Jesus didn’t intend for us to love them. They need to follow the law. They have no right to grace or mercy unless they follow the rules.

Was it lawful for Jews to associate with Samaritans? Not really. It made them unclean. Maybe that was why the Samaritan had mercy in his heart. He understood how it felt to be cast aside, to be deemed unworthy, to be condemned because of his birth.

So, while the priest and the Levite went out of their way to avoid a traveler in need, the Samaritan stepped up. He got his hands dirty as he personally cared for the traveler who’d been beat up and robbed. He paid money for a hotel room and, when he left the next day, he told the innkeeper to look after the man and he’d pay him anything extra if the innkeeper had any added expenses.

It cost the Samaritan. It cost him time and money. But he did it because it was the right thing to do.

Jesus asked the “expert” which of the three men was a neighbor to the man who fell victim to robbers. He correctly answered: the one who had mercy on him. What was Jesus’ response? “Go and do likewise.” (v. 37)

We spend so much time trying to sort out who is worthy to be our neighbor. We want to pick and choose who to help and who to cast aside. But that’s not based on the Bible. Who is your neighbor? Before you decide, consider how Jesus would answer. Then go and do likewise.

April 25, 2018

It’s Not About Numbers

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

– Luke 10:19-20

He is a man of faith. I don’t doubt that at all. He and his wife are helpers, people who try to live their faith in Jesus by reaching out to anyone in need. They are good people.

I remembered that as he bragged about the attendance numbers at his current church. He spoke about the concert-like style of worship. He told about the charisma and sound teaching of the pastor. His church is the current “in” church in our community. The growth is staggering. It could even be depressing to others if all anyone valued were the attendance numbers.

Priscilla Shirer once said that it doesn’t matter how many come to church. What matters is how many are transformed by having been there. There is a truth in that.

A few years ago there was another “in” church in our town. There, too, the growth was staggering. The church went from one service to three in what seemed like record time. They built a new building. They fanned out in the community. They were riding a high that was destined to end.

One day the pastor got sick and had to relinquish his post. People started to leave. Church wasn’t as much fun anymore. Jesus remained the same but it was never really about Him. It was about entertainment and feeling good, about being lifted up rather than hearing truth.

Then there was a bit of a disagreement over money. Isn’t that always the case? Someone decided someone else needed money, then went against church elders to make it happen. The person giving away the money didn’t benefit but that wasn’t the point. If the money belongs to everyone, shouldn’t everyone have a say in how it’s used? And, by the way, where is God in all this mess?

I nodded and let the man standing before me brag about his church. I didn’t ask him how many of those in attendance really know Jesus. I didn’t ask him how many would come if the pastor left, if the band turned down the volume. A sweet friend recently started attending the church because it’s where her teenager wants to go. Why? That’s where all his friends go. It’s a social thing, you know.

My own church is not small. It boasts four services and many activities for children and adults. We don’t worry too much about numbers. Growth that is steady means we are reaching out to the lost, mentoring the new believers, ministering to those who are hurting and in need.

We are a family, this church and I. There is always something going on. There is always someone to laugh with and someone to cry with. It is a church with hands and feet for everyone, not just a select few who write the big checks or who demand attention. It is a church with an emphasis on teaching, mentoring. Small groups are filled with those seeking to know God better.

I wish this man’s church well. I do. I want God’s kingdom to grow and multiply. I want His Spirit to fill up every person on this earth.

But it’s not about numbers. It’s never been about that. It’s always been about Jesus Christ and what He did for us so that we might live. It’s about a God who loved us all so much that He sacrificed His Son on a cross. And it’s about a Spirit that lives inside of us, guiding us and filling us with light. Get that right and trust God with everything else.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Choose What Is Best

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. -- Luke 10:39

Most of us are familiar with the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus came to Martha’s house and while she was busy preparing for all the guests, her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus teach.

We remember that Jesus admonished Martha when she complained and ask Jesus to make Mary help her.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” -- Luke 10:41-42

So we learn that it is better to listen to Jesus than to prepare food and worry about the guests. But what else did we learn? And do we really understand how this applies to us?

A few weeks ago our church had a wonderful event on a Sunday afternoon. It was a time of fellowship. Unfortunately, it was at the same time as a women’s bible study that had been scheduled weeks earlier as part of a continuing event. Should we postpone the study? Should we have it anyway? There was quite a division.

I opted to go ahead and have the study as scheduled. Those who could and would came. And others didn’t. Their choice. One woman came but said her husband said she was selfish. For what? For choosing a bible study over listening to him play in the church band, something she does almost every Sunday morning.

Somehow we believe that choosing one church event over another means that all is good. Or one good thing over another means that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing. But we can fill our lives up with busyness and never accomplish what Jesus has called us to do.

We’re full of excuses. Absolutely. And they’re good excuses. Like having some fun in the name of fellowship rather than studying God’s Word as we’d previously committed to do. Or going to the beach for a “day off” rather than attending church. Or helping the youth with a project rather than caring for our own elderly relative. The list goes on and on.

We’re full of good intentions and excuses. But are we really doing what is best? The answer varies, of course, because what is best for one might not be best for another. What it really comes down to is seeking God in all things and putting Him first.

We prefer to think that the story of Mary and Martha has to do with sibling rivalry and preparing for guests. But it also has to do with us and the choices we make each day. Are you choosing what is best? Are you sure?

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Thoughtful Prayers

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

-- Luke 10:36-37

Jesus had just told the parable of the Good Samaritan. You’ve probably heard it many times. A man was going to Jerusalem and was attacked by robbers. Neither the priest nor Levite would help the man. Instead, a Samaritan helped him.
We’re so quick to criticize and complain about the people we encounter in our day. We see the worst rather than giving others a helping hand or a compassionate smile.
A friend passed this on. I don’t know where she got it but I thought it worth sharing.

Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time:

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Choose God Over Distractions

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made."

-- Luke 10:40a

Did you know your television has an OFF button? It does. And it works even when you aren't leaving the room. Same goes for your cell phone and computer. They all come with OFF buttons. Check the directions. You'll see.

Another tidbit: Doors close. I know. It's shocking. But they do. It really is okay to go into a room by yourself and close the door. It's okay to be unavailable to your spouse, kids, parents and friends for a set time. Really. They'll whine but they'll be okay.

Now, let me be clear about something. I am not telling you to leave a crying infant alone or a toddler wandering around by himself. That's child neglect and I'll be the first to call the cops. I'm simply saying that we assume we always have to be available to our loved ones. Sometimes it's okay to not be. Get your husband to take care of the kids for 30 minutes. Don't answer the phone. Shut the door. One woman told me she retreats to her walk-in closet. Just go somewhere and be alone.

The purpose of all this? To get rid of the distractions so you can focus on God. I've read this passage about Mary and Martha numerous times over the years. The focus always seems to be on a whining Martha and a Mary intent on listening to all of Jesus' words. It's easy to rush past that little sentence that tells us Martha was distracted. Aren't we all?

I've come to realize that there will always be someone or something that nags for my attention. It is so freeing to realize I can have a choice. I can choose to spend time with God. I can turn off the distractions. I can close the door. I can pay attention to God without being interrupted.

But it's a choice. That's right. A choice. I used to be one of those people who just didn't have time for serious Bible study. Me? Read the Bible from cover to cover -- every year? I thought that was insane. But I did it anyway. Now I crave it. Spending time with God keeps me sane. It keeps me focused (most of the time). It keeps my priorities straight.

It's so easy to get distracted by all the stuff that fills our lives. Take time to focus on God. He'll bless you in ways you never imagined.