This is our third time to read this moving story. Today can we focus on a different application without overlooking the real thrust of the story? The Samaritan did not leave the bandaged man beside the road. What was the order of events in the story and how can .it apply today? The stranger found a man in need and helped him. He ministered to him where he was. Then he took him to an inn. That sounds like a good sequence - good follow up. What about ourselves and our ministry to needy souls today? Sometimes we find ourselves saying, 'Come to our church and you will be helped'. But are they ready for that? Isn't there some bandaging, some spiritual first aid we need to give them before they come? Often our first duty is to minister to them where they are. Call them listening bandages. Sometimes this is called 'pre-evangelism'. Then when this has been done, the next step is to take them to the inn, the local church. How did the innkeeper feel being left with a badly wounded man? How did the man feel? How would our local church re-act if a hurting soul, needing love and attention unexpectedly came in one morning? Would any of us try to show a loving welcome to that one? Or would we be too busy talking to each other? The ministry of the inn and the inn keeper. are not the main thrust of the story, but it would have been a tragedy if the Samaritan had left the bandaged man just where he found him. What is our ministry? To help people right where they are, then when they are ready welcome them at our church door. What about your church? What kind of a welcome would they receive? |
沒有留言:
張貼留言