PARABLES - The Good Samaritan - LOVE OTHERS

PARABLES - The Good Samaritan - LOVE OTHERS

 



The "Good Samaritan" parable can be broken down into two main points:  number one being the most important: LOVE GOD.  The second is "The Golden Rule" (love your neighbor as yourself).  Today we will be studying in depth "The Golden Rule".

Let's start by studying a little history - Who was a "Levite" and a who was a "Samaritan"?  I must admit that my Old Testament knowledge is terrible - which is why I did not know this & had to do some research myself.  (Most of the following information defining Samaritan and Levite is from "Wikipedia").

Levite - is a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi.  Both Moses & Aaron were Levites.  The Levites were not allowed to be land owners after Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Canaan because God Himself was/(is) their inheritance (taken from Deuteronomy 18:2).  They had a few specific responsibilities like reading the Torah in the synagogue and then other political responsibilities.

Samaritan - is an "ethno-religious" group closely related to Judaism.  The Samaritans believed that their religion was the true religion of the Israelites - they also believe that Judaism has been altered from the truth.   The Jewish & Samaritan people despised each other.  (on an interesting side note - there is thought to only be 751 Samaritans alive in the world today). 

Getting back to the verses that we are studying today.
 
THE PRIEST
The first person to pass this poor stranger who had been beaten up was a priest.  When we hear "priest" we think of someone who lives by what is right & wrong - and that he thinks in terms of "black & white" - ignoring the "gray" areas.  By crossing to the other side this priest had passed judgment on the stranger deeming it wrong to stop and help.
 
THE LEVITE
The second person to pass by the stranger was the Levite.  Above we learned that a Levite was a religious & political person - in my view these are 2 perfect reasons why he SHOULD have stopped instead of crossing to the other side.  Maybe he was thinking that if he had stopped the media would have twisted the story making him out to be one of the robbers instead of the person who helped (Forgive me if there is any media person reading this right now - this of course is me putting a modern twist on the parable). 

THE SAMARITAN
Now the final person in this parable is the Samaritan - the person who stopped & helped. 
Let's put what the Samaritan did into modern terms:

1.  "He saw & took pity on him" - that's compassion and a mental decision to help.

2.  "He went to him & bandaged his wounds" - a physical action plus his own personal time that he used to help has a monetary value (in modern terms - time is money).  Also a modern concern for his own personal safety - what kind of viruses or bacteria was this injured man carrying? - was he contagious?

3.  "He put the man on his own donkey" - that's helping the stranger into his own personal car (gas being used & most likely blood stains on the car upholstery) (sorry to be vivid - but it is truthful). 

4.  "He took him to an inn & took care of him" - literally speaking let's just say that he took him to a hotel - paid for a room & stayed there to take care of him (that's money & time spent).

5.  "The next day he took two silver coins & gave them to the inn keeper..to take care of the stranger.." - I know from experience the cost of a caregiver who comes into your home - an "unlicensed" caregiver will cost $10 an hour (a licensed is $20+ an hour) - we're talking a good amount of money here!

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that you should spend your children's college fund on a neighbor in need - I just wanted to put this parable into a modern perspective.  

Jesus said "Go and do likewise" - do like the Samaritan did.  Helping a neighbor doesn't literally mean helping someone who has been beaten - it could mean helping an elderly lady who lives down the street who you've never met before but you know that she can't shovel her own sidewalk - you could shovel it for her with nothing expected in return.  It could just mean calling for help on your own cell phone when you see someone is stranded on the side of a road - which means using your own cell minutes with no expectation of reimbursement for those minutes. 

NOTE:  I do want to add an important note - I know I said that we can't judge like the priest did in this parable but we must PAY ATTENTION TO THE URGINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  In our modern society there are dangerous people - if you are about to stop and help a stranger but suddenly get an inner feeling that danger is ahead - then Please Pay attention - that might be an urging from the Holy Spirit telling you NOT to stop.  God will let you know when it's not right. 

Helpful actions both small & large are actions of love - loving your neighbor as yourself -

"Go and do likewise"
  
Previous PARABLE posts:
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "The True Vine & the Father Gardener"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Be a Fruitful Branch Instead of a Withering Branch"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Producing Joyful Fruit - God's Love Remains Forever"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Everlasting Fruit & Everlasting Friends"
The Prodigal Son PARABLE - The Son Who Ran Away
The Prodigal Son PARABLE - The Son Who Stayed Home
PARABLE of The Good Samaritan - Love God First

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8 Lessons About How God Wants Us To Give

8 Lessons About How God Wants Us To Give

  Today we will try to answer the question "What does God want me to give?" 

This is the most important of all of our giving.  Read the verse below - "worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."  "Glory" means exaltation, honor, praise - it means never taking the credit for something that we didn't do ourselves.  We have life through Jesus Christ: God's only Son who died on the cross for our sins.  We did nothing to receive that salvation and therefore we cannot take the credit for it - God deserves all of the glory, honor and praise.
"He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.  Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.' "  Revelation 14:7

In monetary form, attitude & actions.  The verse below is amazing to me because it covers everything and it is so relevant to today's attitude of living above our means.  It's simple: pay your bills, pay your taxes, be respectful - even pay through your actions.  For example:  Let's say a neighbor was there for you when your spouse was in the hospital 5 years ago - they mowed your lawn and made some meals for you.  Maybe recently you heard that this neighbor is in a similar situation - pay their kindness back with kindness by helping them out in the same way.

"Give everyone what you owe him:  If you owe taxes, pay taxes;  if revenue, then revenue;  if respect, then respect;  if honor, then honor."  Romans 13:7

This is where we pray and allow God to guide us in our giving.  Who does God want us to help by giving?  When does He want us to help them? etc.  See the verse at the top of this post - not only should we search our heart before giving but then we need to have the right attitude when giving and not "give because we have to."

Of course I am not suggesting that you give away your life savings but don't be stingy. Giving is a personal action that needs some serious prayer before hand.  Don't take the act of giving lightly and don't take it to extremes either way (too much or too little).

"All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing."  Proverbs 21:26

When I was studying God's Word I was looking to see how many verses were about "giving" and I was surprised to find such an emphasis on the poor.  See verse below - Giving to the poor will benefit us as well as the person in need!  Below we learn that those who "give to the poor will lack nothing". 

"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses."  Proverbs 28:27

See the verse below - Jesus himself said that giving is more important than receiving - giving is a blessing.

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "  Acts 20:35

We will all have to give an account of our actions.  Hold yourself accountable for your actions, words and thoughts and present these to God through prayer.

"So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God."  Romans 14:12

  

 We studied this topic in more detail a few years ago - click HERE to read:
"Obeying God With Your Body"

"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - which is your spiritual worship"  Romans 12:1

 Are you giving what God wants you to give?

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4 Reasons Why We Should Consider Trials a Blessing

4 Reasons Why We Should Consider Trials a Blessing

Being thankful for trials and hardships is one of the most difficult struggles for me and for many.  That got me thinking - "why should we count trials as a blessing?" - Let's take a look at God's Word.

I found four important reasons why we should consider trials a blessing from God:

  

1.  Lessons learned

As you see in James 1:12 - we will receive the crown of life when we have passed the tests that God sends our way.  He will always have a purpose for everything including hardships - we need to be thankful because a lesson learned will only help us in the future.

"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law." 

Psalm 94:12

2.  Repentance

Discipline will always be a part of being a child (a child of God that is) and often when we are going through difficult times, that situation might actually be God disciplining us.  Instead of denying that we did anything wrong - admit it and repent.  Or, instead of having that lazy (& insulting) attitude of "Oh ya - Jesus died for my sins so it's ok" and continuing to sin the same thing over & over again - try to change & repent! 

"The Lord gives strength to his people;  the Lord blesses his people with peace." 

Psalm 29:11

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, watching at my doorway." 

Proverbs 8:34

3.  Seeking God

When life is easy and seems to be going just as we planned - most of us get lazy and stop seeking God.  Trials and tribulations require God's help and therefore we seek Him.  I know that when I'm going through a difficult situation I will pray constantly and study the Bible every chance I get in order to seek His guidance and answers.

"For there is no difference between Jew & Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  Romans 10:12-13

4.  No Favoritism

We all go through rough patches.  When we call out to God for help, He will never pick & choose - there is no favoritism.  "For EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  Now, this does NOT mean that by calling on our Lord He will take all of our troubles away - However, it does mean that He will be with us helping and guiding us every step of the way.

 

Count yourself blessed by God even during the difficult times.

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PARABLES - The Son Who Stayed Home (The Prodigal Son)

PARABLES - The Son Stayed Home (The Prodigal Son)

I am more like the older son in this parable - not just because I am the oldest child but also because I have lived a conservative, loyal life.  Also, (I have to admit) that I am more like the oldest son in the negative way also.  Let's look at these verses a little closer:  What is the first response that the older son had when he found out about the party for his brother?  It was jealousy......and again I'm being honest but I think I would have responded in the exact same way.  It wasn't just a basic celebration - it was a party to end all parties, making that jealousy even stronger.  Instead of being thankful that his younger brother did not die of starvation (or worse) from his rebellion- this older brother only thinks of himself and becomes jealous. 

The next response that the older brother had was anger.  Again, I think that anger would have been my next response but I hope I differ from this older brother in that I think I would have gone into the party in the end.  Not only did this brother refuse to accept his brother's return: this brother also pouted and refused to go into the party!! - What a big baby! 

I'm not sure if this is a typical trait of the "oldest child syndrome" but as a child I always made sure that everything was even.  Just like this brother saying:  "You never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends" (here's where the sad violin starts playing) - The "poor me" attitude.  In actuality this older brother had been so blessed and protected for his entire life.   I would never want to go through what the younger brother went through and I'm sure that if this older brother had any compassion, he would have not have looked at his situation through selfish lenses.

It all boils down to forgiveness.  The older brother has to forgive & forget what his younger brother did and then be thankful that he still has a brother to love and cherish.  The father had forgiven the younger brother even before he came home.

Let us not compare ourselves to each other - we are all different.  Let's forgive, be compassionate and thankful.

Also read: "The Son Who Ran Away"

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Previous PARABLE posts:
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "The True Vine & the Father Gardener"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Be a Fruitful Branch Instead of a Withering Branch"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Producing Joyful Fruit - God's Love Remains Forever"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Everlasting Fruit & Everlasting Friends"

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PARABLES - The Son Who Ran Away (The Prodigal Son)

PARABLES - The Son Who Ran Away (The Prodigal Son)




This is an amazing illustration and so true in our modern society.

Have you ever seen a pig in real life? - I'll admit that piglets are very cute but have you ever seen them eat?  And have you ever seen the slop that they eat? Words can't describe what a mess they create, plus the sounds that they make while eating - YUK!  Just imagine being so low in life that you desire the food that pigs eat - that is the lowest of low.  The youngest son in this parable found himself in that exact situation.  

How many times in our society  have you heard of a wealthy celebrity squandering all of their money only to become destitute? - I can't even count how many times I've heard of that happening (OK - not literally living with the pigs but still similar to this parable).  

I believe that this parable symbolizes our spiritual life and that we all must come to this lowly point in our soul before we realize that Jesus is the answer and the only way!  Not only must we realize this but we must go to our Heavenly Father and confess our sins - just as the youngest son did in this parable.  Notice in this parable: the son first said to himself "I will say to my father I have sinned against heaven and against you."  Then he had to act and go to his father and then when he saw his father in person - he again repeated to him directly "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you."  First came the decision then came the action. 
It's the same in our personal life - we must first make the decision to follow Jesus and then pray and ask our Heavenly Father to forgive our sins. 

I also find if very interesting that the father in this parable was looking for his son - "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (I think that is my favorite line in this scripture).  The father had never given up hope that his son would return home.  He was always searching for him and saw him long before the son reached his father's house.

Coming to the Truth can be very difficult but in the end the "Truth will set you free."  Our Heavenly Father has prepared a heavenly celebration for us - all we have to do is go to God in prayer and ask for forgiveness.There is a Celestial Celebration when just one person accepts God's gift of forgiveness
(read "It Only Takes One" )
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Previous PARABLE posts:
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "The True Vine & the Father Gardener"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Be a Fruitful Branch Instead of a Withering Branch"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Producing Joyful Fruit - God's Love Remains Forever"
PARABLE OF THE VINE - "Everlasting Fruit & Everlasting Friends"

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Oh My Heartsie Girls Wonderful Wednesday
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Pretty Pintastic Party 180
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Untrustworthy & Uncontrollable - 7 Areas of Life

Untrustworthy & Uncontrollable - 7 Areas of Life

The following 7 areas are situations/people that we cannot control and should not trust.  Remember, recently we learned that we should ONLY TRUST GOD (click HERE to read "Where Do You Place Your Trust?") and that we are only responsible for controlling our own actions through Jesus who strengthens us (click HERE to read "Are You Being Controlled? OR Are You Controlling?").
Below each "area" is a description with corresponding Bible verses:

I'm sure that many of us have learned the hard way in this category.  With the crash of Wall street and the "Housing Bubble" bursting - both finance and property ownership have been devastated.  How many times a day do we hear/see in the media that we need to "take control" of our retirement with 401K's, property investment, purchasing gold and silver or reverse mortgages etc.  All of these options are uncontrollable.  Even though the stock market has been on the rise recently - it can still not be trusted and could crash just as quickly as a rise.  Personally, gold and silver makes the most sense as far as value goes but then that can just as easily be lost or stolen.
- we should never put any trust in our riches because they cannot be controlled.

"Whoever trust in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." 
Proverbs 11:28
"Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive"
Jeremiah 48:7

Today's society is consumed with strength, body building, healthy living, stocking up on weapons & ammunition - power!  Now, don't get me wrong - I believe in the second amendment (right to keep and bear arms).  However, my point is that we cannot put our faith in weapons to save us.  I'm sure you've heard this talking point: "guns don't kill people but people do" - well, you can also say "guns don't protect people but people do" (ultimately God protects not people).  This "power" makes us feel safe but these (just like gold & silver) could just as easily be stolen some day.  It's the same with our health - I've seen many seemingly healthy & strong people fine one minute but then in the cardiac operating room the next minute having bypass surgery.  We cannot ultimately control our strength.  God has ALL OF THE POWER.

"I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.  In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever." 
Psalm 44: 6-8

The first thing that pops into my mind is the saying "if they jumped off the empire state building would you?"  Do you act one way around one group of people but then act a different way around another person/group?  Do you wear something or go somewhere just because it's popular and other people are doing it?  Don't "go with the crowd" unless you've prayed about it and studied God's Word and know that it is something that God wants you to do.  Do NOT trust the multitude - it CANNOT be controlled.

"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord." 
Isaiah 31:1

It's quite easy to put someone up on a pedestal in today's society when we are bombarded with pictures and hype about these people on the computer, TV, radio etc.  We start to think of these "idols" as superhuman when they are just people.  These "idols" can come in different forms like computer games or even social media - and it's more than an addiction.  When these characters in a game almost become real  - that's when it has turned into an idol.  Have you ever put aside your Bible or decided to pray later because your show was coming on the tube or the game of the season was starting? - Maybe it's time to admit it and change your ways? - do not trust in modern idols because they will be controlling you.
"But those who trust in idols, who say to images, 'You are our gods,' will be turned back in utter shame."
Isaiah 42:17

This is a difficult topic to think about.  Of course we should trust our spouse; children should trust their parents and we should trust our friends.  The problem comes when we trust people more than we trust God.  Perhaps the worse issue is that many of us try (and unfortunately some succeed) to control others.  Trust does not cause one to be claustrophobic, depressed or anxious - that is how one feels when they are being controlled.  God does not "control" us - He guides us - He's given us "free will" and we make our own decisions.  When we make a decision that goes against God's Will, then there will be consequences but He will urge us back on track.  Controlling others and situations that have to do with other people will always backfire on the "controller".

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."  Psalm 118: 8&9

"Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend.  Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words.  For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies are the members of his own household.  But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."  Micah 7:5-7

This category seems to have be written for modern day!  Just think for a moment of how many "schemes" that we have been warned about on the news or internet just this past month!!  People trying to steal social security numbers by impersonating the Electric Company or online identity theft or the most recent Equifax security breach where many social security numbers were stolen.  These "scammers" are obviously intelligent and I've often wondered why these people can't use these talents in positive ways rather than such negative and destructive lies.  Even in the business world everyone is trying to "stretch the truth" or find a "loop hole" - these are lies!!  It's impossible for these tricksters to keep track of all their lies - these scammers will slip and mix up their lies.  Extortion will never pay in the end.

"Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods;  though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Psalm 62:10

I included this topic just because it seems like so many people today almost trust their fears and anxieties.  Maybe it's a modern trend but for some of us it seems like the ritual or avoidance measures turn into a safety net and certain anxious people almost start to trust their fears.  These fears end up controlling that person.  We will all be afraid at some point in our lives - it's inevitable but we need to learn to entrust our future to God - He will take care of us.  Going through some ritual to avoid a situation that might make you afraid is turning that fear into a deity.  Also, making plans for your future can NEVER be trusted IF they are not God's plan for your life.  Never trust fear and never try to control your future - it's all in God's hands. 

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;  I will not be afraid."

Psalm 56: 3&4

Please give all 7 areas to the Lord!  He will take care of you!

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