Be Willing to Be Interrupted

In review of Luke 10:37, I read that “Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’” (NIV).

In Luke 10, Jesus tells the story of a man who was robbed and injured. There different people came upon the injured man. Only the Samaritan showed mercy, We are told to go and do the same. 

If I want to serve others the way Jesus serves me, then I need to toss my schedule out the window. People need will need me when they need me, not when it's convenient for me. I must be willing to be interrupted.

Love is often inconvenient, and serving others takes time. One thing I’ve learned about Jesus is that he allowed himself to be interrupted. He stopped and helped.

One day Jesus told a parable about a Good Samaritan, who found a man beaten and robbed on the road to Jericho. A priest and a church official had already walked right by the injured man without helping, but the Samaritan stopped.

Think of the excuses he could have made to justify walking by as well, and not helping. He could have said, “I’ve got my own problems to think about” or “I’ve got important business to care for” or “Somebody else will help him.”

Anytime I want an excuse for not helping a need God puts before me, the Devil will be right there to give me one. He will gladly give me a thousand excuses on why I don’t have the time, energy, or money to help someone before me who needs help.

But when I encounter hurting people, it’s an opportunity to learn to serve and learn to love, that’s how God wants me to use those moments in my life.

If and when I encounter these opportunities today, how will I respond? Will I pass on by? Or will I seize the moment?

Jesus takes the time to help me in my time of need. When Jesus finished the parable of the Good Samaritan, he said, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37 NIV).

In summary, If I want to serve others like Jesus serves me, then I need to toss my schedule out the window. I must be willing to be interrupted. Love is inconvenient and serving others takes time.  Jesus allowed himself to be interrupted. When I encounter hurting people, it's an opportunity to learn to serve and to love. Jesus takes the time to help me in my time of need. When Jesus finished the parable of the Good Samaritan, he said, Go and do likewise.

I need to learn to build margin into my schedule so that I can more easily show kindness to others. I need to move beyond any fears I have to show kindness. Father I pray that I can be ready when this comes up, allow me to be your hands and show the kindness you show me to others. I also pray for your wisdom and guidance today in my work, leadership and interaction with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen.