Thursday, September 8, 2022

Roadside Miracles – Nah, I’m Good

September 8, 2022/in Bible Study, Week 5

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Have you ever seen anyone on your way to work broken down on the side of the road? Perhaps you contemplated helping them out, but that cup of coffee sounded better, and you thought: “Nah, they’re good. They probably have someone coming to help.”

They say it’s the thought that counts, but in a situation like passing by someone in need, the thought doesn’t really help. The thought doesn’t help them change their tire or call for help if they don’t have a phone.

I’ve been one of those people on the side of the highway. I had a tire explode while I was going 70 mph, and I thank God I didn’t crash or hurt someone else.

It was Christmas night, and I surely thought someone would see me, struggling, cold, wet (Did I mention it was raining?), and scared. I lit a flare, but either no one saw it or they didn’t pay attention. I was trying to hurry, but when you hurry, mistakes can happen.

Luke 10:33-35

33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’”

We often think the people who stop to help stranded drivers fall into one of two types of people: good or bad. I personally wouldn’t have cared if an axe murderer had shown up that night if they helped me get off the side of the highway faster. I would have accepted any help.

Put yourself in the beaten man’s shoes in Jesus’ “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (assuming they hadn’t been stolen). You’re lying on the ground after you’ve been robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Now imagine your worst enemy sees you like that, and … they pick you up, take you to the hospital, and pay your medical bills. I bet that is how the man felt when he realized it was a Samaritan who helped him.

Matthew 5:44-45

44 “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike”

Even someone in this world who you thought would never help anyone can have compassion. God amazes us every day by putting people in our lives when we least expect it, and he works on his time, not ours. Remember how God arranged for Jonah to be on a ship with pagan sailors? By choosing to disobey God and going in the opposite direction, Jonah led the pagans to God, and they were saved.

So maybe the next time you think about stopping to help someone, say “Nah, I’m good” to that cup of coffee. Instead, show that person on the side of the road that they matter to you, and they matter to God.

Questions:

Have you ever been stranded and in need of help when someone stopped to do just that? Did you accept it, or did you say you were ok when you weren’t? Is accepting help from a stranger difficult? Would you rather be the one offering help?

Next Steps:

Volunteer your time to help others. Join an outreach group and let people know they matter. Take GrowthTrack and learn your gifts so you can serve others.

Prayer:

God, show me how I can help others within my capabilities. Guide me in gaining the courage to stop to ask if someone needs help. Father, open my eyes so I can see those in need, and allow me to use any situation I come across to lead others to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.