OUR CHRISTIAN DUTY
Luke
10:36-37
Jesus
asked: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell
into the hands of robber?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had
mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise”.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us to give
of ourselves and our possessions. The Samaritan places himself in God’s service
to another human in need. Service can be in desolate and dangerous locations or
it could be in your neighborhood or workplace. The Samaritan responds when
others of more worldly or pious beliefs are not willing to respond. He not only
gives of himself but also his possessions. He provides for others out of the
bounty that God has given him. His spiritual maturity allowed him to stop and
address the need of others. His material blessings were sufficient to meet the
need of another. Enough was given to the innkeeper to allow the injured man to
stay there for two months. At the end of the parable Jesus says to us “go and
do likewise.”
The Parable of the Lost Sheep reflects the sacrifice
of time given to find the lost. Our availability should not be limited or
place. The needs of the lost sheep were great enough for the Shepherd to leave
the entire flock to find the lost sheep. By faith he leaves the flock to
search, knowing God would oversee the flock’s welfare. The fellowship of others
has been set aside to find the one who is lost. It may take much in the way of
strength and possessions to find the lost, but it is our duty.