Day 26
In the story of the Good Samaritan, there are four different types of people when it comes to responding to others in need that we also encounter every day.
The Aggressive: The robbers represent the selfish and hostile. Their motto is simply “The end justifies the means.” If I want power and wealth then I will do whatever I want to have it, including taking it from you.
The Passive: The priest and Levite are indifferent and may think they can’t make a difference. The indifferent won’t kick you when you are down, but they won’t offer you a hand to get up either. They just pass by minding their own business.
The Realist: The priest and Levite may also be realistic. If I stop to get involved, I will be late for work. The chief enemy to kindness is busyness. They are preoccupied with their own problems, priorities, plans and pleasures.
The Kingdom Bringers: The Samaritan did not pass by or ignore the one in need. Right when he saw him, he did not hesitate. He did what he could do. It was a Kingdom moment – and he took it.
All around us are people who are bruised and bleeding. Some are bleeding financially, some relationally, some emotionally, and some spiritually. This is a Kingdom opportunity to be kind to someone and to bring heaven on earth. You never know when your kindness could change the life of another person for Jesus sake.
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ - Luke 10:30-35 (ESV)
"Father, give me wisdom to know that when it comes to bringing the Kingdom on earth, that no earthly busyness is more important. Whenever the opportunity befalls me, prompt me to bring heaven into that situation and turn my kindness into action for Your Glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen!"
Day 247 Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-12, 2 Corinthians 7, Psalm 48 and Proverbs 22:17-19 
