The Road Taken

Let's take a closer look at Luke 10: 25 - 37. The lawyer wanted a specific definition of who indeed  was his neighbor. Rather than spilling off the answer, Jesus presented him with a "story" that allowed the lawyer to draw his own conclusion. And I believe there was a bit of Holy Ghost conviction that fell on all those who, in their mind, had asked that same question. 

" A certain MAN went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and FELL among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead." Luke 10:30 KJV

Most folks would understand the phrase, "fell among thieves" as to mean; the thieves surrounded the man. That is certainly true, but I would like to add that the thieves were already there, waiting for a victim.

No doubt the man knew that his chosen route from Jerusalem to Jericho was a dangerous one. The road itself was commonly referred to as "The Way of Blood". Yet, still traveled by many people because it was the shortest distance between the two cities. And many of the travelers were priests, Levites, and others who were either going to Jerusalem to worship or returning to Jericho from there.

The traveler did not choose to be beaten and robbed. He did not choose to be left for dead. However, THE MAN MADE THE CHOICE TO TRAVEL A DANGEROUS ROAD. 

Life in and of itself is dangerous and getting more so, every day. The main choice we have in life is the way in which we choose to live it. If there is a less dangerous route to get where you are going, then take the safer path. If you have no choice but to travel a perilous road, then cover yourself in the blood of Christ and go. He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake you. In the mean time, "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" I Peter 5:8 KJV

What of the thieves? I have little to add about them. They behaved as thieves. They accomplished their goal. We read no more of them in this passage. Yet, their actions served to create the opportunity in which the Good Samaritan displayed true Christian compassion. Hmmm.... instead of looking at the times you have been "beaten, robbed, & left for dead", ponder the intervention of Jesus and the good Samaritans that He sent to rescue and restore you.

There is so much to glean from this passage. I will be posting additional observations in the coming days. Meanwhile, study it for yourselves. Feel free to leave comments or questions (anytime). Let's grow in God's Word, together. 

Christian, Be the Minister You are Called to Be

"I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters,[fn] that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them." Romans 15:14 NLT

In this verse, Apostle Paul clearly lays the mandate of ministry before the Roman believers. He affirms the fact that they were saved (brothers/sisters), that they were of people of exceptional character (good), knowledgeable of the Word of God, and able to teach/instruct.

The following verses are those that would have been part of the common teachings of Christ. 

"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:" Matthew 20:26,27 KJV

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 

When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:34-45 NLT

"But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45 KJV

"For to whomsoever much is give, much shall be required: and to whom men have committed much, of him, they will ask the more." Luke 12:48 KJV

So, my brothers, my sisters, with Apostle Paul, I encourage you today, to be about the Father's business. You are saved, good, knowledgeable and are able to teach (speak) the biblical truths that will set the captives free, heal the lame, deliver the bound, and save the lost.