Posted on Sun, Oct 23, 2011
"Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. (TLB, Isaiah 58:10-11)
Can kindness radiate light in the dark corners around us? Jesus said this is possible. And for three weeks now in our congregation, we are showing how.
Jesus said: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Mathew 5:16
In Luke 10:25-37, He told a story in which he recounted how a traveler, who had been beaten, robbed and left half dead, was assisted by a stranger, while a priest and a Levite were insensitive to the victim’s need of help.
The priest and Levite in the story had the chance to practice what they preached. But they failed to shine. Typically, the priest had vast resource and linkages and might have obtained help for him from his resource. Perhaps, he had to keep some appointments and did not need to be late. Or, it could be that in assisting the victim in person, he might have become ceremonially defiled. But he could have referred the man for help elsewhere.
Also, “a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” His insensitivity was extreme. Perhaps, he disliked his looks. And it could be that he failed to help because in looking on the traveler, the Levite could not ascertain his social standing or he was too isolated from the public for the Levite’s assistance to be noticed by others and announced. It is written: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2: 8-9.
Also, Jesus taught that our kindness must “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.” Matthew 5:20. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:2.
Do you know someone in need and you are in position to assist? Look around you, and help someone today! We cannot and should not neglect anyone in need. As humans, we are all created in the image of God and we exist to honor God with our lives, whether in private or public.
"Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. (TLB, Isaiah 58:10-11)
There is no law against kindness. Galatians 5:23. Be blessed. Emaeyak Ekanem. The following link may also interest you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaCBTSQZq1E
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