Daily devotion – avoiding the wounded
The promised jet fighters asked for by Ukraine were on their way but the United States has vetoed this decision. The fear of escalating the war zone to expand outside of Ukraine given the reason. Meanwhile Russian planes continue to fire upon and bomb the people of Ukraine.
When you go to help someone in danger there is often a risk attached to such an action. We all remember the story of the Good Samaritan told by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel chapter 10:30-37. The man who had been beaten, robbed and stripped of his clothing, and left half dead by the side of the road – was firstly avoided by a passing priest. Then a Levite came on the same road, and he too passed the poor wounded man, by moving to the other side of the road. Finally along came a certain Samaritan. He stopped and risked his own life on this dangerous road to care for and help a complete stranger.
He went to him, bandaged his wounds, poured oil and wine on him to heal him. Placed the wounded man on his own animal and took the injured man to an inn and placed an amount of money down for his expenses. He told the inn keeper he would be back this way again and pay any further costs that might be required in the care of this man.
Risk, cost, danger – all these were faced by the good Samaritan in his going out of his way to help the man beaten and robbed.
It seems to me that many who could help Ukraine are avoiding risk, saying the cost is too great and not wanting to step into what may be a dangerous aid situation.
Let us continue to pray for those in Ukraine who have been left by the roadside, who have been assaulted by an invading force and left for dead.
Jesus last words in the telling of this story are telling.
Luke 10: 37 – “Go and do likewise.” – in copying the passion, care, and love of the good Samaritan for a complete stranger.