Dale’s neighborhood is home to many newcomers to his country. He loves the cultural richness but has felt a disconnection from it. So recently he prayed: “Lord, please use me to reach my neighborhood.” And he felt God’s simple, gentle nudge: Be a friend.
While biking one day, Dale saw a new neighbor, so he stopped and said hello to the man. The surprised individual invited him into his home. During a lengthy conversation, Dale learned of his new friend’s discomfort. The man felt that the citizens of his new country didn’t like him or didn’t want him living near them. It was as if people held him responsible for global events far beyond his control, simply because of his origins.
“You’re my neighbor!” Dale assured him. “You’re welcome here! If you need anything, here’s my number.” The man visibly relaxed. Then he smiled. A small but bold bridge had been built.
The story of the Good Samaritan is often interpreted to emphasize the kindness of the Samaritan. But Jesus was actually expanding God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). The religious leader wanted to know, “Who is my neighbor?” because he wanted to follow the letter of the law. Jesus pointed to the spirit of the law and in the process built a bold new bridge across an ethnic divide. The unlikely hero of His parable was “a despised Samaritan” (Luke 10:33).
Jesus built all kinds of bold bridges—bridges over long-standing racial barriers, between religious zealots and serial sinners, rich and poor, male and female. And when He redeemed us from our self-centered defiance against God, He built the boldest bridge of all—the one that spanned the chasm between God and His fallen creation.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 12:22-50
More:
What did God mean when He promised to bless the whole world through Abraham and Isaac? (See Genesis 18:18, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:4.)
Next:
In what small way can God use you to build a bold bridge today? How have you been personally affected by the bridge Jesus built?
dalvin1994 on July 8, 2015 at 6:45 am
I have a childhood acquaintance that was recently released from prison that I have yet to visit. Saturday I will visit him and express my willingness to assist wherever needed, and my happiness in seeing him again.
Gary Shultz on July 8, 2015 at 7:12 am
I find I must start with the last phrase of the “next” section. When I envision what Christ has is and will do for me, it gives me a Godly example to pilot my life. Keeping that vision allows us to be prepared for God’s use; hopefully as simply as our bike riding friend. Thanks
tgustafs on July 8, 2015 at 9:53 am
Preaching to myself with that one, Gary. 🙂 The opportunities are everywhere, if only we have eyes to see them.
Tom Felten on July 8, 2015 at 9:03 am
Love this story. Funny thing, last week my wife and I were out riding our bikes when we too came across a new neighbor. As I stopped my bike to welcome him to the neighborhood it became evident he didn’t speak my language—and I couldn’t speak his! Hopefully my smile and handshake began building a bridge of friendship and the opportunity to share more of God’s love with him and his family.
tgustafs on July 8, 2015 at 9:51 am
That should mean a great deal to him, dalvin. Praying you will have the grace and wisdom to know what to say/not say.
joycemb on July 8, 2015 at 12:17 pm
I definitely was a ‘samaritan’ but was able to hide the truth after I married having the money and success of an upper middle class life-style. Then Christ came into my life because of prayers of Christians who could see who I REALLY was and cared! We all know the greatest Story ever told, but the second greatest story is the redemption of the strangers and aliens in the success driven culture of the US.