"The One Who Showed

Him Mercy"

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Luke 10:29-37

God's will comes to us in strange ways, often in the form of interruptions. Just when we think our duties are done for the day and we have settled in for a quiet evening at home, someone calls on the telephone or shows up on our doorstep asking for our time. The question will be whether or not we are busy.

The best thing to do is stop looking at these intrusions as interruptions. Instead, we should take them as opportunities that God is sending us to serve those in need - to listen well, to show love, to help them on their journey toward intimacy with God.

An interruption

may be a divine appointment.

Our Daily Bread - March 21, 2006