Day One: A Familiar Hero

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most famous stories that Jesus told. It has sparked the imagination of Christians throughout the centuries, including the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. In his depiction of the parable, he shows a narrow trail through a treacherous gorge. In the foreground, Van Gogh shows the Good Samaritan heaving the injured traveller onto his horse. The Samaritan's back is arched, and it is clearly taking a tremendous effort to lift the stranger. Yet, we know the Good Samaritan persists and not only takes the injured man to a place of safety but pays for all his treatment and then returns to check on him. What a hero!

I am confident that at some point during your life, you will have been able to help someone, just like the Good Samaritan. You will have been in the right place at the right time, and God will have used you to assist someone in need. Jesus told us that when we help others, it is as if we are helping Him (Matt 25:40). What a privilege! We get to help out and meet the needs of the world. Not all of us can help a stranger; our friends and family often benefit most from our kindness, but all our actions count. On many occasions, no one else may notice our efforts, and usually, we won't be lauded as a hero. Yet God knows what we have done for others, and he chooses to work through our actions to bring about His Kingdom.

Reflect: Recall a time when you were able to help someone. How did you feel? What was it like?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving us the honour of helping others in Your name. Please help us to represent You well and for our actions to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. We want to be like the Good Samaritan; help us to help others, please. Amen.