I Remember

article by Paul Life

I remember as I thought about the parables of Jesus, that one of my favorites was the parable of “The Good Samaritan.”  In this parable, the Lord tells of a Jewish man who was beaten and robbed as he travelled along what must have been a well-travelled roadway leading from Jerusalem to Jericho.  The thieves beat him so badly that he was left, half-dead, by the side of the road.  Without help, it was almost certain that he would have died.

But potential help was on the way because two religious men, a priest and a Levite soon came to where the poor victim lay in pain.  However, first the priest and then the Levite crossed to the other side of the road and continued on their separate journeys.  No mercy was forthcoming from two individuals who would have been good prospects for providing care.  Despite the indifference of these two religious men, could there be any help for the poor man?  If they did not care, who might?

Jesus introduces another character, a Samaritan, who happened to be travelling along that same road.  But could he be counted on to come to the aid of this wounded Jew.  Not likely, because Jews and Samaritans were not “on speaking terms;”  in fact, they despised one another due to some past circumstances.  Nevertheless, this “Good Samaritan” stopped, tended the wounds of the battered man, took him to a nearby inn and continued ministering to the poor man, even to the point of financial sacrifice.  He showed mercy.

This parable took on special meaning to me recently as I was in need of some mercy.  After decades of enjoying good health, things took a change.  Arthritis attacked me, almost literally bringing me to my knees.  Activities that usually were accomplished without much thought, were now difficult or impossible to do. Additionally, there was some pain with which I was not pleased and which I do not handle well.  I needed some mercy!

That is where my experience differs from the victimized Jewish traveler.  In my case, the religious folk have been more than helpful.  For the purposes of my story, let us equate the priest with the church family.  They  have been exceptional in the loving care they have demonstrated in showing mercy to me.  They have provided meals on a continuous basis, ran errands for me, visited when loneliness was in need of fellowship, and spent hours trying to, and succeeding in getting my yard in tip-top shape.  On top of all of this, I  regularly get phone calls inquiring as to my health and offering services to meet any needs that I might have.  This time, the “priest” came through with flying colors.  God is good!

Allow me the privilege of matching my Christian, biological family to the Levite.  Unlike the Levite in Christ’s parable, my family has showered me with love that has made my “burden” so much more bearable.  None of them “looked the other way and passed by” me in my need.  They have been so attentive, causing my grateful heart to swell with pride as I experience my family showing care in the manner of Jesus Himself.  Despite the long distances, my children, as well  as my grands and their spouses have been equally thoughtful as they made the long journeys to pay a visit.  God is good!

In my case, my neighboring family represents the “good Samaritan.”  He, his wife, and their young daughter have gone the extra mile in bringing some sunshine of mercy to me in my time of need.  The husband mows my lawn and is available for any other task that needs attention.  He and his wife bring me meals, including a “full” breakfast every day!  God is good!  It is a good thing that eternity is endless because it is going to take me along time to thank the Lord for my priests, my Levites, and my good Samaritans!  Despite my ailments, I am a blessed man who has been shown mercy and love by so many. And when I am able, I pray that Christ will enable me not only to be one who receives mercy, but one who can show it as well.