As he spoke, my mind traveled from our family room to Israel. But why had our pastor friend, Cliff, chosen Luke 10: 25-37 for Stephanie’s memorial service?
All eyes were on him, as he captivated those who had assembled for her service. His telling of the story of the Good Samaritan came from his heart.
I remembered the lonely, desolate road winding through the desert from Jerusalem to Jericho. Several in the room had been with us on that trip with Cliff. We knew the dangers and isolation of the road. A victim there would definitely need assistance.
Cliff related how the priest and Levite both passed by the injured man. Only the despised Samaritan offered help. He went out of his way to assist someone he didn’t even know. His sacrifice saved a life, but he wasn’t looking for recognition.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10: 36-37 (NIV)
Cliff looked at us and asked, “Who is your neighbor?”
As we pondered the question, he continued, “ We are to serve. Go and do likewise.”
Though Stephanie’s time on earth had ended, we all still have time to reach out. Her untimely death reminded me that no one knows how many days are left. Christians are commanded to reach out to our neighbors wherever they are.
Dear Lord, help me to see and serve my neighbors each day. Amen
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