October 30, 2016

Luke 10:33 NKJV - "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was.  And when he saw him, he had compassion."

Ever make a "Samaritan Stop?"  Ever have a Good Samaritan stop for you?  What would you do if you were the "Samaritan?"  Would you be "good" or would you be like the priest or the Levite and "pass by on the other side?"

What happens when you face an obstacle you don't know how to overcome?  Do you have a contact list of helpful people who will run to your aid?  Great if you do, but a lot of people don't have friends like that.  Even to call 911 doesn't necessarily mean that the help that arrives can handle all the need.  The loss of a job could mean the loss of an apartment.  And there are many people who don't have a relative or a friend who would take them in.

When I ministered at St. Paul's House in New York City it was common to have people come looking for a place to stay.  Too many were living "only one pay check from eviction!"  And when the pay stopped, so did the apartment.  What do you do when that happens to someone you know? 

Back in Bible days it was seen as an honor to offer your home to the needy.  But not everyone has room.  Just ask Joseph and Mary!  And she was pregnant!  We live in a day when even Christians find the going to be tough.  And that's where other Christians need to ask what can they do to help.  My wife and I have "housed" six different people over the years, some out of a dire strait.  in each case the Lord intervened and provided further assistance.  But we know there are many others living in "cardboard shacks" trying to find shelter.  One of my co-workers at St. Paul's House lived in such a place for four years under the Brooklyn Bridge!  It wasn't until a pastor found him and sent him to our mission.  Not everybody is so fortunate.

Christian, we're living in a tough time.  And it may soon happen that being a Christian is cause enough to become homeless.  Jesus said that people hated Him and those who follow Him will face the same animosity.  Part of our response should be what the early church taught:  care for the poor.  You might become one of them!