by Dorette Saunders
Jesus tells his audience at the end of several of his parables: “Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15, NIV). This command is not a mere listening to his words, but rather one of paying close attention, of tuning in, and applying what God has said to our lives.
What is God saying to us in this brand new year? Are we listening? As we look out on our world, it is clear we need the wisdom of God to navigate it. Yet, God has already given us all we need to live a victorious life, we simply need to activate it by the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:3).
When Jesus told the parable of “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37), one of its object lessons was to remind us that no matter what society dictates, no matter what policies, doctrine, or tradition say, there are no strangers in God’s kingdom.
We are, after all, human beings, created by God, in his image. We are inextricably linked by the Creator of the universe. As such, we are neighbors, not only by proximity as some may say, but by the command to love others even as we love ourselves and love God.
Make no mistake, loving others is hard. Loving can also be tedious. Even in seemingly ideal situations, we balk at giving our full attention, and affection. Perhaps this is why God made us our sisters’ and brothers’ keepers. We are to “see” beyond the barriers of ethnicity, “otherness,” and difference. By so doing, our wells of mercy and compassion will open and flow when and where God directs them.
God will help us with hard things. We cannot be the hands and feet of God, or demonstrate God’s heart, if we do not practice humility, and show love to those in need. We must bind up their wounds, be hospitable, and proclaim the love of Christ to them. And, we must earnestly pray that they will have “ears to hear.”
And what about us as followers of Christ? Let us put aside those things that divide us, that strain our relationships, or cause us to label others (and ourselves) and neglect the cause of Christian unity.
Let’s heed Jesus’ prayer to God for his disciples, whom he called his friends (John 15:15):
“I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me” (John 17:21, CEV).
In your corner of the world, will you be “The Good Samaritan”? Will you build bridges that fuel hope? Re-read the parable, and “Go, and do likewise.”
PRAYER: Remind us, Lord, that love ties everything together. Unify us for your glory and our good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©M©dytations 2024