Who Is My Neighbour?
My brother? The couple next door? The postman? Or the homeless guy at the corner of Mcdonalds?
If the lawyer mentioned in last Sunday’s sermon passage was living today, he (assuming it’s a guy, as women were unlikely to be educated that time) would probably have had these possibilities running through his head. As Jesus tells him the way to eternal life is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'’, he tries to justify himself by asking who exactly is his neighbour? And as Jesus never fails to do, He replies with the unexpected. Challenging the lawyer’s current beliefs/prejudice, He tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Most of us are familiar with this story; where a man on his way to town comes across a gang who rob and leave him beaten to a pulp by the side of the road. Soon a priest and a Levite walk by and see the man lying on the ground. Instead of reaching out to help, they are quick to look the other way. Then along comes a Samaritan (known to be looked down upon and often detested by Jews), who decides to stop all he doing to carry the man to a sheltered place where he pays for medical treatment, food and shelter. The Samaritan, ‘the one who had mercy’, was a neighbour to the man, not the priest or Levite as you would expect. Brad reminded us that Jesus chooses to include those excluded by society. Those who are ordinary and unimportant to the world, God choose to do wonderful and extraordinary things.
Sometimes when I come across a brother, sister, friend or stranger in need I find myself coming up with reasons to look the other way. Perhaps it’s the easier option. I come up with excuses like, I’m not experienced enough, I’m too busy, I’m still young, someone else will do a better job. Sometimes it’s the timidity, fear of rejection or fear of burden.
However God reminded me that He chooses me.
Recently after my summer exhibition I was with a huge group of archi friends on our way to a celebratory dinner! Walking at the back of the crowd I was catching up with my gay friend who seemed a little down. I knew he was experiencing some financial problems as well as difficulties with passing the year. We were chitchatting, when suddenly he stops and turns towards the side of the road. First I thought he had dropped something only to realise he was looking for change in his pocket for the scruffy old man on a wheelchair. I felt a wave of guilt when I had hardly realised his presence when I walked pass. He had banjo resting on his remaining limb. Lacking confidence he played a familiar tune. He was smiling at us as we both empty our pockets of change. He had a small box of assorted pens neatly stacked and he offered one to us. My friend receives it as if it were a gold prize he had won and the man plays another tune to show his appreciation. This memory I will never forget. My friend who had a million struggles of his own, never hesitated to reach out with all he had to someone less fortunate than him. He’s not a Christian, an amazing student or a well off guy, but rather he was ordinary and often went unnoticed. He did not shout out his act of love for the whole world to see, but rather did it when no one noticed and without reservation.
God used a friend who knows almost nothing about the bible to show me what it is to truly ‘love my neighbour as myself’. Simply amazing and so refreshing. I am lead to a certain place at a certain time where there is someone in need, because God chooses ME in His ministry. It is not about what I have to offer, but it is about the awesome works He can do through me. All I need to be, is available.
I know it’s not easy, but a small act can go a long way. You are never too small to make a difference.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40
Serving for God’s glory,
-E-
