“Go and do Thou Likewise” [podcast]

Our LORD’s Good Samaritan Parable

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34  And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35  And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36  Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37  And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” Luke 10:33-37

“‘Go and do likewise.’ Boy the apostate church needs that message. As they walk by the dying and lost because they are too busy in selfish desires and lusts to notice them.” Karen Cochran

A total of 3 men came to the man who had been ravaged by thieves, the world, sin.

The 2 religious men passed him right up …. looked down their self-righteous noses at the man in great need.

These 2 unredeemed religious men proved to be “not of God” by their refusal to render aid, to joyfully jump into action to help that man. They were unlike God who came and gave all (John 3:16).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8-9

While we were yet sinners – separated from God in our sin – He sent, He gave His only begotten Son to come and solve this sin and separation issue ….

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2

God’s stated will is to save and sanctify all men.

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

The LORD is perfecting that which concerns His beloved people.

“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalms 138:8

Walking out our own salvation as He who saved us is working in us!

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

Growing in the knowledge and grace of Christ.

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18

Read the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 and pray for understanding from God. Ask Him what He wants to teach you….

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

THE happiest, “more blessed,” most joyful people we meet are the givers (Acts 20:35). Their hearts are full of joy because as they give their lives to the LORD daily, they continue to be filled by Him with all the fruits of His righteousness (Matthew 5:6).

Every member of the body of Christ who is involved in the Great Commission work, is laying up eternal treasure in glory! What will be your reward? (Matthew 6:19-21)

Dear Father in Heaven, I thank You for finding and saving me by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Here and now I give my whole being to You afresh without reserve. Please use me to render aid to others and principally help them know You! In the name of Jesus. Amen.

These who give, in worship to the Most High, are free of greed
and covetousness and their hearts are filled with joy for
participating in the Gospel of the One they love (Matthew 6:21).

Debbie Lord writes:

“Speaking of Acts 20:35, blessings are best when shared with others. This is pointing to the multiplication of blessings in sharing them. ‘The gift that keeps on giving!’ (Feeding 5,000, etc.)”

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

Giving our lives to Christ, who gave them to us, is always the priority. Giving is following Christ—giving love, forgiveness, mercy, treasure, comfort, etc.— “For God so loved the world that he gave” (John 3:16).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your only begotten Son for my sins and for the sins of the whole world. Thank You Jesus for Your perfect sacrifice to save Your people. I ask You to grant my heart to be cheerful, joyful in giving out of that which You give. In Jesus’ name, amen.