Imagine

This morning I was sitting in front of my laptop praying about what to write and thinking of all the things going on in our country at the present moment.

The government has be shut down for over 30 days, severe weather is hitting the Midwest and East Coast, new abortion laws were passed, people are protesting and so much more.

It all seems so unsettling. While thinking about all of those issues I began to read through notes from a bible study and came across this:

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where He was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.  When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through.  (Hebrews 12: 1-2 The Message)

This verse talks about keeping our focus on Jesus and to persevere which means to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

My thoughts while reading this went to the parable Jesus told of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. When asked what must be done to inherit eternal life, Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.” In Matthew 22, Jesus said that these were the greatest commandments and all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Imagine if that is how we lived, by God’s law not the laws of men, the way God intended. Just thinking about it brings peace to my mind. How different our country would be right now if loving God was the first thing on our mind and loving others was next.

Sometimes it seems so overwhelming to make changes and I wonder if one person can make a difference. The answer is yes. One person showing love can make a difference. Just like the Good Samaritan did. He didn’t lecture the man on being at the wrong place at the right time, he didn’t judge him for his beliefs and he didn’t shame him. He simply had compassion on the man and took care of his needs.

Think about those who sin, that would be all of us. Now imagine someone confronting you, protesting you, making a public spectacle of you for your sin. Now remember the story of of the woman caught in adultery. She was publicly called out for her sin and was humiliated. Did that change anything for her or her accusers? No.

But Jesus showed how to make a change. He addressed her accusers in telling them that anyone without sin should throw the first stone. That instantly leveled the playing field because all have sinned. Then Jesus showed her compassion, forgave her sin and told her to sin no more.

His act of love and compassion changed the woman. By following His example, our acts of love and compassion can also change people. God is still in control regardless of what is going on in the world. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, so the same commands still apply; love God and love people.

In the web of social media, everyone wants to be heard. What are people hearing from me? What are people hearing from you? We can make a difference with our words whether they are spoken out loud, on social media or in our prayer time with God.

It’s nice to imagine a better place and circumstances. It’s a privilege to be part of God’s plan to make that happen.

Luke 10:36 – 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.”

My prayer

Father, we are so blessed that You are in control. This world can become overwhelming and unsure, but You Lord are constant. There are so many hurting people that need to know You. Help us be like the Good Samaritan and simply show love and compassion with all that we have. You alone are the judge and help us to remember that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but Your grace is for everyone. Let us be a light to those in darkness by showing the love You so freely give to us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”