But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:33-37
Most merciful and mighty Lord Jesus, stunned… shocked… numb… overwhelmed… just a few emotive words appropriate to this particular morning. We begin this day in Middle-Tennessee like many live every day in other devastated parts of the world. So many of our friends and neighbors have been pillaged by the hands of an aquatic thief—a 500 year flood of inconceivable proportions and destruction. To see my son and his wife’s home under water is heartbreaking. To know there are five feet of water in my daughter and her husband’s basement is frightening…
Jesus, we need you in a big way, and with certainty… we have you in a big way. You are the extravagant-in-mercy Lord. You’ve spared no expense in redeeming us through your sacrificial death, and you’ll spare no expense in caring for us through your resurrection life.
May we, the grateful recipients of your saving grace, prove to be joyful extenders of your limitless mercies. In the coming days and weeks, bring a 500 year flood of gospel neighbor-love… extraordinary generosity… heroic caring… kindhearted servanthood. We pray for a demonstration of the gospel that will prove to be even more startling than the devastation of the flooding. Indeed, may this be a season in which we anticipate the Day when the knowledge of your glory will cover the earth as the waters of this flood cover our neighborhoods.
Bring families together… heal petty differences… reveal yourself through us, Jesus, as the wonderful, merciful Savior that you really are. So very Amen, I pray, with great gratitude and a lot of anticipation.