Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise." Luke 10:36-37
Not so long ago I read the story about the man who, as he recounted the events of his day, told about how he had passed a woman who was standing helpless and forlorn with a flat tire on her car. To make the matters worse, it was pouring cats and dogs. He told of how sad he was to see her in that condition, and finally added, "I thought to myself, how awful it is of people not to help such a poor woman. I would have stopped myself if I hadn't been on my way to work."
I wonder what I might have done if I had driven by that woman? What would you do? Certainly each of us could find an excuse--a good excuse. Nevertheless, if the flat tires of the world are going to be changed or if progress is going to be made, some of us are going to have to put aside our excuses and do what's right. Even if it's inconvenient. Even if it's a nuisance. From His vantage point in heaven, I’m sure the Savior could have come up with a million excuses as to why He shouldn't come to earth and save us, but He didn't. He put aside the excuses and sacrificed Himself for us.
In thanks to Him for what He has done through His suffering, death and His resurrection, I'd like to encourage each of us to do one thing this week - just one - for which we have an excuse - and do the right thing. In the Name of the risen Lord, let's do something to make things right.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you for putting aside all excuses and sacrificing Yourself for us. Help me to see the opportunities You place before me today, so that I may be a blessing to others and live my life to Your glory. In Your Name, Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 5-6 2 Corinthians 13
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