Once there was a man going about his daily life, minding his own business, when life attacked him. It stripped him of everything that protected him, of his honor, took what was valuable to him, beat him up and left him for dead. Life couldn’t care less what happened to him.
Friends, family, fellow church members saw the man was in distress. Some of them avoided him completely. Others took a look and said, “Nope, that’s too messed up for me. Not my problem,” and walked away. The man was left alone, helpless, ashamed, unable to take another step.
You’ve probably heard a different version of this story, the one told by Jesus in Luke 10:30-35. When I think about that story in relation to my life, I’ve always viewed it as a warning to act like the Good Samaritan, who in spite of the barriers that should divide them, responds with mercy to the traveler’s needs. But I’m learning to look at it from a new perspective.
I am the man.
Then Jesus comes along. He invites us to show Him what is hurt, what is broken, to lament for our losses. He listens. He knows our sorrows and is acquainted with our grief. He encourages us to show Him the festering wounds we are so ashamed of and try to keep hidden. Then He asks, “Will you let me make it better?”
Sometimes we’re so familiar with the pain, we’re afraid to let it go. When we accept God’s invitation, He treats us with compassion and tenderly cleanses us. Sometimes the scab, what is hard and dead, must be removed so the Blood can flow through. If the wound isn’t cleaned, the dirt will keep us from being fully healed. He knows it hurts. And He knows it has to be done. When we’re at our limit, He says, “Just a little farther. I know this has been hard. Just a little bit more.”
He stays with us while we get better, tending the wounds, changing the dressings. Wincing with us and saying, “Look at me. Just keep your eyes focused on me while I do what needs to be done.” We can draw strength from Him, from His calmness, His peace. He leads us to rest.
He pays the price for our recovery, and promises that He will pay every debt that we incur along the way. He rejoices with us when are better and can get up and live fully again. He also promises that He is coming back again, and when He does, He’ll settle accounts and put everything to rights.