Seek Exemplo

Day 18

Pastor Richard Adolph

Topic: Lost Neighbors

Scripture Reference: Mark 12:30–31

Devotional:

We find in Luke 10 that the words from Jesus in our reading for today are echoed once again. A lawyer approaches Jesus and asks, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus’ response would lead to the parable of the Good Samaritan in which three men pass by someone who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. A priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan were the ones to find this man, and while the priest and Levite continued on walking, the Samaritan looked upon the broken man and immediately had compassion. The Samaritan bound up this man’s wounds and brought him to an inn to take care of him. The Samaritan is the one spoken of in Luke 10:37 which says “he showed mercy.” And Jesus then gave us the command to “go and do likewise.”

Today, I charge you to ask that same question: Who is my neighbor? It may be the person in the house right next door, or just like the Samaritan it could be the one you walk past on the street. It could be the barista at your local coffee shop or the mechanic working on your car.

Each of us has been uniquely placed by the Lord in different towns and neighborhoods within our city. We have been placed among the broken, the hurting, and the ones left stranded on the side of the road as they journey through this life. To whom has God been leading you?

God is inviting us into His glorious story for this city. We get to partner with Him in prayer and in action for our lost neighbors. Let’s start this day in the place of prayer, for the Lord to lead us and guide us.

Make this your prayer today:

Jesus, who is my neighbor today? As You have bound up my wounds, I pray that You would use me to bind up wounds for the hurting in our city. Holy Spirit, would You lead me? Would You speak to me and highlight those with whom You want me to have conversations, those You want me to help and bless? Would You fill my heart again with Your compassion, and may I carry Your love to this city and beyond? I pray for my brothers and sisters, today, my neighbors. Open my heart and my eyes to what You’re doing around me. Oh Lord, help me to care for those You care for and love those You love. May Your love shine and radiate through my life. Every thought and every deed. I love You Jesus. It is all for Your glory. Amen.