I was busy shredding the ditch in front of our farm in Coryell County, casually waving at folks that drove by. A sweet woman turned her car around and came back to the tractor. Curious, I turned off the engine to see what she needed. “Do you need some help?” she said. “I saw you wave and thought you might have trouble.” I assured her I was fine, but appreciated her concern. Neighbors helping neighbors is the unwritten rule of country living.
Jesus came into this world to help people. He said of Himself, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NIV). As you follow Jesus in the Gospels, you find Him feeding the hungry, healing the sick, encouraging the hurting and ministering everywhere He went. He spends Himself on others. In my Bible reading this morning, Paul reiterates this truth: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved” (II Corinthians 12:15, NKJ).
There is no end to the needs in our world. A video during our worship service yesterday highlighted the ministry of Operation Christmas Child and the millions of children who can be touched through a simple gift. Pack a shoebox, and impact a life. Any effort we make at blessing another is noticed by God. Jesus said, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42, NLT).
The story of the Good Samaritan is a fascinating read. The Lord illustrates the art of loving one’s neighbor by describing the hated Samaritan as the hero of the story. A poor Jewish traveler is beaten, robbed and left for dead. Two religious leaders see his dilemma but ignore his need. The Samaritan, though, is moved with compassion and stops to help. He treats the man’s wounds, carries him to the local inn, and pays for his treatment. He says, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend when I come again, I will repay you” (Luke 10:35, NKJ).
One interesting view of the story is that Jesus is the despised Samaritan, the world is the beaten traveler, and the Church is the inn. The Lord picks up the bruised, beaten and outcast of the world and brings them to His Church. “Take care of them, “ He says, “and whatever you spend I will repay when I come again.”
Look around and find the hurting. Love them with the love of Christ. Share the good news of God’s great love that was shown on the cross. Spend yourself on others, knowing that when Christ returns, He will repay for all you have done.