Psalm of the Day: Psalm 135:1-21
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 9:1-9
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:29-37
We are taught the extent we are to show kindness and love to others. We are told that the Samaritan's compassion towards the wounded traveler was not confined to feelings and passive impressions. He took much trouble to give him help. He spared no pains or expense in befriending him. The man was a stranger to him, nevertheless he went to him, bound up his wounds, set him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day he gave the host of the inn money, saying, "Take care of him, and whatever more you spend on him, I will repay you when I come back." And our Lord says to each of us, "Go and do likewise." The lesson of this part of the parable is plain and unmistakable. The kindness of a Christian towards others should not be in word and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth.
How few Christians seem to remember that such a parable was ever written! What an enormous amount of stinginess, and selfishness, and suspicion there is to be seen in the Church, even among people who believe the gospel and go to the Lord's table! How seldom do we see a man who is really kind, and feeling, and generous, and liberal and good-natured — except to himself and his family! Yet the Lord Jesus Christ spoke the parable of the good Samaritan, and meant it to be remembered.
What are we ourselves? Let us not forget to put that question to our hearts. What are we doing, each in our own station, to prove that this mighty parable is one of the rules of our daily life? What are we doing for the heathen at home and abroad? What are we doing to help those who are troubled in mind, body, or estate? There are many such in this world. There are always some near our own door. What are we doing for them? May God help us to answer these questions! The world would be a happier world if there was more practical Christianity.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to be a practical Christian.
Action Plan: What can I do today to put this parable into use? List at least three things you can to show Christian love to the lost, and do them.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
