One
day Jesus told a story about a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho
when he was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Two religious folk—let’s call
one a religious leader and the other a community leader—came upon the man in
need and carefully passed by on the other side of the road. They knew enough to
avoid a problem when they saw one!
Later
on, a fellow came along who had no real ties to the injured man. They weren’t
from the same community; they were of different races and even different religions.
Yet this stranger did something the other two gentlemen had failed to do—he
took compassion on the man in need. He was seeing as God sees!
You
realize that I’m referring to the story of the Good Samaritan. This masterful example
teaches us to look beyond the many things that can separate us from others,
especially those who are in need, and to see them as God does, with eyes of
compassion.
Today
at Hopewell, we will be challenged to do just that as we explore a powerful
teaching of John the Baptist (see Luke 3:1–18). Give this exercise a try. Call
to mind the person or group of people whom you know who are in need. Now ask
yourself this question: when I think of these folk, do I see a problem to be
avoided or do I see precious souls whom Jesus loves? When we can see the
latter, we’ll be seeing others as God sees them.
