One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” – Luke 10:25-28
Most of us have heard the story of the “Good Samaritan,” which is recorded in the gospel of Luke, Chapter 10. Jesus had been asked a question by a lawyer, regarding what a person must do to inherit eternal life and He responded by asking the lawyer to tell Him what was written in the Law? Jesus said that his answer was the right one but the lawyer, needed some clarification. So he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (v. 29).
You can read the reply of Jesus in Luke 10:29-37 and when you do perhaps it will beg the same question it does for me. Who is our neighbor? Who are the people that we should be helping or reaching out with a hand of assistance to meet a need, no matter who the person is or what the circumstances may be? What answer would you give? Well it’s obvious isn’t it? My neighbor is anyone who has a need that I can meet.
Well, that’s what Doug Jones thought from Owasso, Oklahoma, in an Associated Press article. When a snowstorm sent motorists along U.S. 169 into ditches, Jones, who has a Jeep, showed up to help out. He pulled a friend’s car out of the ditch and then just kept going. Jones found another stranded motorist, hooked the car to his Jeep, and got that grateful driver back on the road. But wait a minute, suddenly an Oklahoma Highway Patrol car pulled in behind him, lights flashing, and Jones thought he had some more help. Not so. It turns out that this Good Samaritan, according to the State Trooper was breaking the law by helping, because supposedly he could have caused an accident in the process. It cost him a $117 fine. Not to fear, however. Oklahomans sympathetic to Jones’ situation protested and paid the fine for him. Lots of Good Samaritans in this story.
So, next time you have an opportunity to lend a helping hand, my friends, do it. God will pick up the tab. All good deeds are on Him! Maranatha!
Pastor Don
