Day 30: My Neighbor?

 

Luke 10:25-29

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He 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.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Comments

As was his custom, Jesus answered one question with another, both to avoid being trapped and to help the man encounter the truth in case he actually wanted to do something more than to try to trap Jesus.

The answer of this ‘expert in the law’ was the same one Jesus had given when asked what is the greatest commandment. That was good.

What was not so good was the man’s intent: he hoped to define neighbor as narrowly as possible in order to be confident he could gain eternal life without too much effort.

Reflections

In what ways have you seen people redefine what Jesus said in order to avoid having to make major changes in how they live? Have you ever done that?

Prayer

Confront me, Lord, whenever I try to justify myself by interpreting your requirements in ways that make them fit with what I want to do on my own.

 

Day 29: A Sabbath Rest

 

Take some time today to consider how God has spoken to you this week and how you have responded.

Did you feel God leading you to speak to someone? Did you do it or did you hold back? Why?

Write down your experiences and share them below or email them to me (dnich1803@gmail.com) if you would like.

 

Day 28: Prayer Challenge #4

 

The following Prayer Challenge is an essential part of the “Love Your Neighbor” Adventure. Without something like this, it is too easy just to take a few minutes  to read each day’s devotional and then do nothing else with it. This program is not about changing your mind or even your heart; it’s about changing your life and your world!

The Fourth Challenge:

Spirit-Led Conversation

 

Philip was led by God’s Spirit to approach the Ethiopian eunuch and ask him a simple question. Begin your day by praying, “Lord, lead me to someone today in whose life you are already at work. Show me a question you want me to ask.”

The question may be a simple one. You might feel led to ask a person reading, “Is that a good book?” Avoid superficial questions like, “How are you?” or ones that you’ve been told Christians should ask like, “Are you saved? Have you been born again?”

If the person responds positively, continue talking with them as the Spirit leads. This is not about where the conversation ends, but where it begins.

Afterward write down your thoughts and feelings. If you are comfortable doing so, leave a comment below or send an email (dnich1803@gmail.com) letting me know what happened. 

Day 27: Undeterred

 

Mark 10:46-52

...a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. He heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth and began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

^“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus.

Comments

Jesus could have asked the man why he was shouting so loudly and persistently. He could have asked him what had happened to make him blind. Instead, Jesus had but one simple question, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Reflections

The crowd tried to get the desperate man to stop shouting . Who do we try to silence today? Do we at times give nonverbal clues to people that they “shut up” about their problems?

It would have been easy for Jesus to assume he knew what the man wanted. How often do you ask people the simple question, “What do you want?”

Prayer

Help me, Lord, not to try to silence the cries of the desperate, but to ask instead what it is that they truly want.

 

Day 26: Spirit Led

 

Acts 8:27-31

Phillip met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Comments

Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch had almost nothing in common other than a God who was at work in both of their lives. Notice what Philip did:

· He was led by the Spirit to talk to the man.

· He ran to the man rather than waiting for him

· He heard the man reading from Isaiah

· He offered to help the man understand

We don’t know what happened to the Ethiopian after his encounter with Philip, except that he was baptized and went on his way rejoicing.

Reflection

Have you ever experienced being led by the Spirit to speak to someone like Philip did? Would you be willing to do something like this if you were confident it really was God’s Spirit leading you?

Prayer

Teach me, Lord, that if you lead the way, I can connect with people who at first glance seem to have nothing in common with me. Give me the wisdom and courage I need to follow where your Spirit leads.

 

Day 25: Breaking Barriers

 

Acts 10:11-15

He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

Comments

There weren’t many things more shocking for a Jew than to be asked to eat meat that was clearly taboo for them. In our own day, it would be like inviting someone to eat dogs, cats, rats, bats or something else equally disgusting.

The vision or dream that came to Peter was sent by God to prepare him for something totally unexpected. Cornelius, a Gentile, was about to invite Peter to his house to hear a message from God. Peter would see God working in ways that were beyond what he could ever have imagined.

Reflections

With what kind of person would you find it hard to imagine that you could have a conversation about God’s love and grace?

Like Peter, would you say, “Surely not, Lord” when asked to approach someone like that?

How much difference would it make if you knew God was preparing that person to listen?

Prayer

Break down any barriers, Lord, that keep me from seeing where you are already at work in the lives of people I meet.

 

Day 24: Excuses

 

John 5:5-9

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Comments

Jesus saw this man among all the others waiting at the pool to be healed. Sometimes God’s Spirit leads us to specific people, preparing the way for us to serve them.

Jesus learned this man’s history, becoming familiar with the man’s situation before approaching him.

Jesus asked if the man wanted to be healed, a question that seems to have an obvious answer, but not always.

Jesus healed the man of the infirmity that had incapacitated him for most his life.

Reflections

Have you ever felt drawn to someone you didn’t know? What have you done about it?

Do you find it easy or difficult to get people to tell you about themselves? Is it helpful to learn a person’s story by asking others about them?

Can you imagine that God might use you to bring hope and healing to someone?

Prayer

Jesus, you knew just the right thing to say and do in every situation. Help me follow your lead when I feel awkward in my attempts to be helpful.

 

Day 23: Regrets

 

Mark 10:17-22

“Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Comments

Here was a man who seemingly had it all, and yet knew he lacked something essential. Jesus looked at him and loved him in spite of his misplaced priorities.

Jesus made no attempt to convince this man of the foolishness of his choice; he saw the man’s regret and let him go back to ‘the good life’ he was living.

Reflections

This passage is often interpreted by saying this man had the wrong attitude toward wealth. What is the right attitude. Do you have it?

When someone expresses doubt or hesitancy, do you try to change their mind? Does this ever work?

Prayer

Help me accept, Lord, that some who show interest in your kingdom are not yet ready to pay the price to live within it.

 

Day 22: A Sabbath Rest

The third week of this Love Your Neighbor Adventure has drawn to a close, and I am beginning to receive emails from people about how God is opening their eyes and ears to people around them. I love it!

 

If God has done something special in your life and given you the opportunity to touch the life of someone else, take time today to stop and give thanks.

 

If you are not yet beginning to see people differently and connect with them in new ways, that's okay. Just be patient and be faithful. In God's time it will happen.

Write down your experiences in the blog comment section or email me (dnich1803@gmail.com) to let me know what is happening. It would also be helpful if you could let me know whether you are receiving duplicate notices of each day's blog through Google, Twitter or whatever.

 

Day 21: Prayer Challenge #3

 

The first two Prayer Challenges were to see people in new ways. Seeing the image of God in people is a big part of loving them, but of course it can’t stop there.  Love involves connecting with people; listening to them is a good way to begin.

The Third Challenge:

Hearing People’s Cries

It is not hard to come across people who are struggling, but it is a gift of God to find someone who will tell you about it. People will open up to you, however, if it is the right time, you are the right person, and God is in the middle of it all.

When you discover someone who is hurting. you may be tempted to “fix” their problem by saying something “to make them feel better.” Resist the temptation! Just be with them and listen as a way of extending grace. Ask if you may give them a hug.

Carry a Kleenex or Band-Aid all week as a reminder to pray, “Lord, let me hear the cry of someone  who is hurting.”

After you connect with someone in this way, write down your thoughts and feelings. Comment below or send an email (dnich1803@gmail.com) letting me know how God touched your life through this. 

 

Day 20 - Silent Tears

Luke 7:44-47

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Comments

Simon the Pharisee was embarrassed that a notorious harlot would enter his house and make a spectacle of herself at the feet of Jesus. Simon was sure Jesus could not be a man of God or he would have known what manner of woman was touching him.

Jesus saw something entirely different in the woman. He saw her tears as a sign of the grace of God that had already begun to transform her life. Her actions were the only way she knew to express her profound gratitude for the grace shown to her.

Jesus heard her clearly, though she never said a word.

Reflections

The woman was drawn to Jesus, apparently for no other reason than that he embodied the grace of God to her. In what ways do you embody God’s grace to those who have made a mess of their lives?

Are people drawn to you, hoping to find love and grace, or do some people avoid you, fearing they will find criticism and condemnation?

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the undeserved grace you have shown to me. Help me extend that same undeserved grace to others.

 

Day 19: Jesus Weeps

Luke 19:41-44

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Comments

Exodus tells us that God heard the cries of the Israelites when they were innocent victims of oppression and slavery in Egypt. In today’s passage, Jesus weeps for the Israelites because of the suffering they are bringing on themselves.

About thirty years after the death of Jesus, Jerusalem was totally destroyed by the Romans in response to its rebellion and uprising. Jesus wept because he could see the inevitability of such an event. God’s people had waited centuries for God to act; now they were taking things into their own hands.

Reflections

Jesus realized that his people did not know what would bring peace. To what extent is this a description of our own nation in its dealings with others?

Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Have you ever been moved to weep for the world today?

There are many individuals, couples, and families that do not know what will bring peace instead of conflict in their lives. Do you weep for them? Are you ready to listen to them?

Prayer

Let my heart be broken, Lord, for the things that break your heart. Help me know how I might be a voice for peace in a world of shrill voices raised in anger.

 

Day 18: God Hears

Exodus 3:7-10

 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Comments

God’s story, as the Bible tells it, is full of beginnings  and new beginnings. The Exodus of God’s people from Egypt and their delivery from those who were cruelly oppressing them is a key part of that story.

How reassuring it is that God sees people’s misery, hears their cries and is concerned about the suffering they are experiencing. And God not only hears; he also acts to bring justice and deliverance.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Reflections

What cries of the innocent and oppressed might God be hearing today? What do you hear?

God’s concern about the suffering of the Israelites led to Moses being called to deliver them from slavery. With great reluctance and hesitation, Moses accepted that call. Is God calling you today to hear the cries of the desperate and to bring them good news and real hope? Are you resisting the call or are you open to what God might do in you and through you?

Prayer

Open my ears, God of mercy, both to hear the cries of the oppressed, and to hear your call for the love and justice needed to deliver them.