Dear Friends:

One day Jesus told a story about a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Two religious folk—let’s call one a pastor and the other a board member—came upon the man in need and carefully passed by on the other side of the road. They knew enough to avoid a problem when they saw one!

Later on, a fellow came along who had no real ties to the injured man. They weren’t from the same community; they were of different races and even different religions. Yet this stranger did something the other to gentlemen had failed to do—he took compassion on the man in need. He was seeing as God sees!

You realize that I’m referring to the story of the Good Samaritan. This masterful little tale teaches us to look beyond the many things that can separate us from others, especially those who are in need, and to see them as God does, with eyes of compassion.

This Sunday I’ll be challenging you to do just that as we explore a powerful teaching of John the Baptist (see Luke 3:1–18). Between now and then, give try this exercise. Call to mind the person or group of people whom you know who are in need. Now ask yourself this question: when I think of these folk, do I see a problem to be avoided or do I see precious souls whom Jesus loves?

When we can see the latter, we’ll be seeing others as God sees them.

You are loved—

Pastor Sheridan