God doesn't hold back!

    In Luke 10:25-37, we read the story of the good Samaritan. When an expert in the law asks Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life, Jesus asks him what the Law says. The man replies: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbour as yourself.” (v.27) Jesus told him that he had responded correctly and added that he should do the same so that he might live. But the man further pressed Him wanting to know who was his neighbour. Jesus then shared the story of a man who was attacked by thieves while on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. He was stripped of his clothing, wounded and left half dead. A priest came along and saw him but he passed on the other side. A levite also came and saw him and passed on the other side. A Samaritan also came and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. He bandaged his wounds and poured on oil and wine. He put him on his animal, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day, as he was leaving, he gave the innkeeper some money and asked him to take care of him. He added that if the innkeeper spent more on his care, when he returned, he would repay him. When Jesus asked the expert in the law which one of the men were the man’s neighbour, he told Jesus the one who had shown him mercy. Jesus encouraged him to go and do the same. 
    I usually view this story as one that encourages us to show kindness to others, no matter who they might be. But there is in fact a bigger picture. What that Samaritan did for that unfortunate man, is what Jesus has done for all of us. It does not matter who we are, what we have done or what we have been through. Christ came to die for all. Traditionally, Jews and Samaritans did not get along. So the fact that this Samaritan chose to help this Jew, especially when the Jew’s own countrymen - the priest and the Levite - refused to help him, is truly an act of compassion and love. That’s exactly what God chose to do for us. He did not just send His Son, Jesus, to die for the Jew but for the Gentile as well. God’s love and His gift of salvation encompasses all.
    The rejection by the Jewish man’s fellow Jews is a reminder to us that at times we too may be rejected or ignored by those around us - sometimes those we most expect to show compassion to us. That can be painful. Have you ever reached out to someone, expecting them to help you but instead face rejection? They may make up an excuse or just outright refuse to help you. Rejection is not an easy thing to deal with especially coming from those you expect to show sympathy. Yet, at times rejection is a very real part of life. 
    God’s love and compassion, on the other hand, is in stark contrast to that rejection. God is not turned off by who you are, what you’ve done or failed to do, or by the situation you are going through. God’s love sees right through all of that and chooses to care about your need. In our darkest moments, God’s love shines through like a light giving us hope and encouragement. Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us. Nothing can stop God from loving us. And, more than two thousand years ago, nothing stopped Him from sacrificing His Son so that we could have the gift of eternal life. The Samaritan gave all of his help without holding back. So too, God gave and continues to gives us His love without holding back. 
    God will never withhold His gift of salvation from us but we do have to make the choice to receive it. The Jewish man’s life was restored because of the Samaritan’s act of kindness and selflessness. God wants to restore your life and give you the gift of life eternal. Will you make that choice today? You will not be disappointed.
    If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God’s love and compassion never fail. If He is willing to give you the gift of eternal life, why not be willing to receive it. The choice is yours.

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