ICS Daily Devotions
Going the Extra Mile
Luke 10:33-35 (NKJV) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’
Many people will take the route of walking away just like the priest and the Le-vite when they encounter someone suffering on the road. I believe one of the reasons to use the Levite and the priest who are religious people is to remind for us not to have a form of godliness without the love for God and people. We will practise what we believe as a believer of Jesus Christ.
Love has a corresponding action, and it is the act of giving. It is the giving of our time, energy, effort and money as the expression of our love to the person who is hurting and suffering. It is not pitying someone but being able to feel their pain. We love with a compassionate heart.
The Good Samaritan took time out of his busy schedule to stop when he saw the injured man. He ministered to the injured by pouring oil and wine on him. He also placed him on his mode of transport and paid for his accommodation. He gave his time and resources and did everything for the injured within his means.
Luke 10:36-37 (NKJV) So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
What we can all do will be in the areas of moral, emotional, prayer, and practi-cal support to those who are suffering, and it should be done within our means without obligation or condemnation. In fact, one of the most precious forms of help is being present and listening without even giving solution, deduction or recommendation unless it is sought by the person who is suffering.
God has placed many neighbours in our lives, whether they are our neighbours in the geographical sense or friends and colleagues. These are the people whom God has placed in our midst so that we can love and journey with them through the love of Christ. However, we don’t need to journey with too many people, but just one or two at a time whom God has brought into our lives.
Jesus’ current ministry is done through the body ministry—members of the church. Therefore, we should obey Jesus’ instruction to go and do likewise to help those who are injured, hurting and wounded.
Sermon Series: Help! Go and Do Likewise
