March 11, 2020

March 11

Running with Jesus

Luke 10:33-37  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

      Jesus is talking to a Jew to whom asked Jesus how to enter Heaven. The Jew responded to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.  Jesus tells him a story about how a half breed Samaritan, who showed more compassion than a Jewish Priest and a Levite, temple servant who avoided the man. Through this story Jesus revealed the condition of this man’s heart! 

      How we live daily reveals our love and the condition of our hearts. Is there someone we hate or despise and avoid because of their skin color or their dress or living conditions don't fit our mode of thinking. We are to love everyone. Everyone, now that is tough for some of us. This reveals to me who I am letting rule my heart! 

      I remember getting upset one time and someone told me you will get hard to it and when I got home I cried and prayed Lord I don't want to be hard I want to love! He has had to teach me how to keep  loving when I'm not loved! I am to forgive and to let His love flow through me. God's love is unconditional. What if today he said I am not going to love Judy she isn't acting right?  Can I imagine for one moment what it would be like if God withheld His love for me! Oh I would fall apart! That's what we do when someone hurts us we withhold our love. 

Lord, we are needy people, help us have compassion upon all people. Help us to allow Your love to flow through us. Help us to love when we are not loved in return. Help us not grow hard but keep our hearts soft and fill us with unconditional love where we choose to keep on loving and going those extra miles. 

Tomorrow:  We stop running and visit with Jesus at Martha's house! Lots to learn there!!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015