Rewind your memory player back to Sunday school days and recall one of your favorite stories. A sick, wounded man lay by the side of the road. People passed by--no one stopped--and then a "good Samaritan" walked by...NO, he didn't just "walk by"--he stopped! He cleansed and bound up the man's wounds, put him on his donkey, took him to the nearest "Motel 6," paid for his room and said, "If it's more, let me know; next time I come by, I will pay you."
It's called "The Parable of the Good Samaritan," and it's a wonderful story told by the Master Storyteller, Jesus Christ...well, have I got "news" for you--I read it again, last week, not in the Bible, but in the Springfield, MO "News-Leader"--an up-to-date version that touched my heart.
A young couple excitedly prepared for the arrival of their first child, when 9-11 changed their plans. The husband, aboard a ship in the San Diego harbor, and awaiting a long tour of duty in the Middle East, would not now be there for the birth of the baby. Normally speaking that is...but nothing is "normal" in THIS story, except for the "labor" of it all--which never is "normal" anyway!
Rachael and John hooked up via phone and he "coached" her through the labor, long distance....he heard it all.....and when a beautiful baby girl was born, the delivery room nurses went into action--with the help of a digital camera and e-mail, they had photos off to the proud dad in a jiffy.....neat story....but that's not the END!
The Springfield, MO "News-Leader" carried the full story last Thursday, also presenting the family's dilemma--funds were tight, and "Daddy" needed to get home to see that new baby before shipping out! Somewhere between last Thursday and last Friday, an anonymous local businessman showed up, paying the round-trip plane ticket! Daddy arrived at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport on Thursday night, to be greeted by his just-released-from-hospital recovering wife and new baby daughter. He will spend the weekend at home before returning to his ship.
The News-Leader reported a grateful dad's comments, "I don't know how I'm going to repay him. I'd like to meet him and shake his hand and talk to him...That's the great thing about being here in the Ozarks--it's not the place, it's the people. There's so many good people out here..." The story continues as Rachael Baxter, the new mom, commented that "even in time of trouble, life goes on....We can still have families and lots of memories and lots of love." (See full story below.)
And so..."the good Samaritan" is alive and well, resides somewhere in Springfield, Missouri...and he's cloned all over the world...as many caring, compassionate people "stop by the side of the road," see a need and fill it, especially in these crisis times. We've watched it at Ground Zero and around the world--people helping people...THAT'S what it's all about....but there's more...
For you see, Jesus Himself is the Good Samaritan for us all. He saw us wounded by sin, stopped, poured on the oil of His love and mercy, and brought us home. He's there for YOU today, whatever YOUR need--He'll STOP, by the side of the road, wherever in the world you are--for He is the ultimate "Good Samaritan"--He loves you, listens to your cries, and is ready to help and to heal you. Won't you trust Him today!
...and that's just a faith-filled thought or two from my heart to yours!
Copyright 2001 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
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An Encouraging Word for Times Like These
