“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’” (Gospel of Luke, ch. 10, v. 33-35*, with our emphasis in bold)
Has that last sentence of the story revealed in the Parable of the Good Samaritan ever struck you particularly? Perhaps most of us are familiar with the gospel account of a Jew attacked by robbers, passed by a priest and a Levite, but saved by a Samaritan who, as we know from history, were despised and hated by Jews. The unique aspect of this parable is that Christ used these two groups, who do not accept or love each other, to illustrate what it means to be a neighbor – for someone to show mercy regardless of their feelings towards you.
But what is the different point we want to direct your attention to today? Besides the fact that the Samaritan helps the man attacked by robbers and takes him to an inn where he can be cared for, he makes a promise to the innkeeper. He promises to return and pay any additional expenses incurred. What does this mean? The Samaritan takes the risk of being deceived and robbed by promising to pay whatever extra the innkeeper might charge him.
God's love for us comes with an invitation that we have the right to refuse. This is a sort of risk for God, if we may express it that way. We cannot harm Him, but we can reject Him, thereby placing Him in a position to be accepted or declined. God's love within us operates the same way. It puts us in a position where we might encounter abuse, ill-treatment, deceit, or rejection.
Just as Jesus responded to Pilate (“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above,” Gospel of John, ch. 19, v. 11a*), we must also know that there is actually no risk because there is no chance, luck, or coincidence. No one could have the power to harm or bless us unless it is allowed by God Himself. Even people in higher positions than us, those who could harm us if they choose, or those whom we allow to have the power to hurt us, could not do so without God's permission.
Therefore, the risk is assessed. You are not exposed to chance, arbitrary forces, or the evil intentions of others. Be ready to live like Christ, even if it seems naïve, foolish, or even risky to others. Your guarantee is God's love!
Challenge: What “risk” could you take for God this week? Do not be afraid to do what you believe needs to be done. God takes care of protecting your heart from dangers.
*Biblical quotations are according to the text of the Bible, New Translation from the Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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