Devotional by Rev. John Frey
Scripture: Luke 10-25:27 (NRSV)
“Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Thought for the Day: Yesterday, we read Micah’s summary of God’s expectations for our lives. Today, we read Jesus’ answer to a lawyer who is asking about the requirements for inheriting eternal life, first-century language for fully meeting God’s expectations. Like we saw in Micah 6:8, the lawyer sums up the Jewish law as loving God fully and then loving neighbor as self. However, Jesus then tells a story that challenges the lawyer by radically redefining “neighbor” to include strangers and even enemies. How can we live out this broader understanding of neighbor as we show love to those around us? Like the Good Samaritan, are you willing to be on the lookout for opportunities to show love to strangers or enemies today?
Prayer: God of mercy, give me the eyes and heart to notice those who are my neighbors as I go throughout my day. I am open to your leading toward those who need to know your love and mercy today. Let me be your hands and feet! Amen.
Spend a moment praying
for your church this morning.
