PARABLES OF JESUS – Stupid Decisions
Luke 10:30
"Then Jesus answered and said: 'A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.' "
The context: A man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. Jesus directed him to the law given to Moses – to love God and neighbor. The man, "wanting to justify himself," asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered the question with this parable of a man who was wounded by robbers and left half dead. Life tends to do that to people, and Satan himself is a thief who robs people of their dignity, beats them, and leaves them half dead. But the traveler put himself into such a mess when he made a stupid choice to walk a dangerous road alone. I confess I don't have much compassion for people who's problems are caused by stupid decisions, like someone who is stabbed outside a tavern at 2:00 in the morning, or a lost or injured climber on Mt. Hood who hikes in dangerous situations without an emergency phone. The truth is, we all make dumb decisions and suffer for them. I am glad for "neighbors" who have compassion and help me through my pain even though it is the consequence of my stupidity.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: It is good to have a "neighbor" who will help us in our time of need, even if it is caused by a stupid decision.
Have a "neighborly" day. Love you.
Luke 10:30
"Then Jesus answered and said: 'A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.' "
The context: A man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. Jesus directed him to the law given to Moses – to love God and neighbor. The man, "wanting to justify himself," asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered the question with this parable of a man who was wounded by robbers and left half dead. Life tends to do that to people, and Satan himself is a thief who robs people of their dignity, beats them, and leaves them half dead. But the traveler put himself into such a mess when he made a stupid choice to walk a dangerous road alone. I confess I don't have much compassion for people who's problems are caused by stupid decisions, like someone who is stabbed outside a tavern at 2:00 in the morning, or a lost or injured climber on Mt. Hood who hikes in dangerous situations without an emergency phone. The truth is, we all make dumb decisions and suffer for them. I am glad for "neighbors" who have compassion and help me through my pain even though it is the consequence of my stupidity.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: It is good to have a "neighbor" who will help us in our time of need, even if it is caused by a stupid decision.
Have a "neighborly" day. Love you.
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