Are We Really the Good Samaritan?

Are we Really the Good Samaritan?

            One of my professors often says that readers and interpreters are grounded in their social locations. What they meant by that was that when we read a particular text, we tend to put ourselves in the story, and we put ourselves in the story as the hero. When we read the Bible stories, we are Moses telling the Pharaoh, to let our people go. We tend to identify with the hero, the winner of the story. We are David, never Goliath, we are Adam and Even, never the serpent, and of course in this parable told by Jesus, we like to see ourselves as the Samaritan.

And that is where we are in the text today. Samaria is a place named after a mountain in the area, 42 miles north of Jerusalem. It was the capital residence and burial place of the kings of Israel.  Became the name for all of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 and 2 Kings), conquered by the Greeks, then the Romans. When you look at someone now you never know what he or she has been through. The city destroyed when the Romans took over and rebuilt, but it never got the same prestige it once had. Got to the point that people went out of their way to avoid going through Samaria when traveling. To be called a Samaritan was to be called a bad word in those times; it meant they didn’t know whom your bloodline came from. Almost like being called a half-breed or a mutt, an outsider, child that comes into a house because one of the people cheated. The Samaritans couldn’t come to the temple to worship.

            In the text today we find Jesus, just after he sent the seventy out to spread the good news casting out demons, healing the sick in the name of Jesus.  He tells them not to rejoice over the power they have, but to rejoice that their names are written in Heaven.  I spoke about this last week at my home church. I talked about the calling of names, the 70 aren’t named and they are told to be happy that their names are written in heaven. We take pride in our names, we protect our names, even when people try to trap us up to disrespect our names, our reputations. That is what the lawyer did in the text; he stood up to test Jesus. Trying to trap him in the law, but he didn’t know Jesus like we know Jesus, that Jesus was the best lawyer that money can’t buy.

            Jesus turns it back on him, and asks what is written in the law? Lawyer knew the scriptures and is quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.  But then lawyer couldn’t leave well enough alone and he asks who is my neighbor? The Samaritans were good neighbors, but when the new people moved in, they were not so good. We can clique up by nature, we like being around like-minded people. There is benefit to being around like-minded people, but we must be able to reach outside our comfort zones to bring others to Jesus. That is what we are here for right? This life is temporary; we need to be concerned about the eternal.

            The race of the beaten person is not mentioned, it could be anybody. Not just the people at the intersections looking for help, but it could be me, or you, or anyone else. Slighted by those who should have been his friends. On the side of the road, broke busted and disgusted. Beaten up by life. Beaten up by the job, by friend and family members. But The Samaritan came down this road. Took care of his hurts.

I don’t see myself as the Samaritan, because God knows I don’t always do the right thing. I don’t see myself as the Levite, because I was not born into this chosen race, I don’t even see myself as the priest, even though I accepted my call and preaching is my profession. I see myself as the one on the side of the road, in need of help. And I like to see the Samaritan as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Samaritan didn’t have to stop and help the beaten traveler but he did. Jesus didn’t have to save me, but he did. It is an example of Christ work, and the work we are to do for others.

The Samaritan was minding his own business, but saw someone in need of assistance; Jesus was in Glory and saw humanity in need of salvation. The Samaritan was moved with pity and tended to his wounds; Jesus was filled with love and was wounded for our transgressions.

Isaiah 53:5

New King James Version (NKJV)

5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

The Samaritan gave the man, oil and wine for his wounds.  The bible says

Psalm 104:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵ And wine that makes glad the heart of man,
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man’s heart.

Wine is refreshment, and oil brings joy, he was getting refreshment and joy from the Samaritan so he didn’t have to look like what he had been through.  In Christ we are new creatures, all things have passed away so we too don’t have to look like what we have been through.

The Samaritan put the man on his animal and brought him to an inn, Jesus put himself on a cross and brought us all a way to heaven.

Even though the Samaritan was considered bad, what he did even his enemy, this lawyer saw worth in.

 

Philippians 2:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

The Samaritan helped the beaten traveler, just like God helps those who seek Him.

Psalm 121:1-4

New King James Version (NKJV)

God the Help of Those Who Seek Him

A Song of Ascents.

121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from He,
Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Stop by me Jesus, pick me up Jesus, clean me up Jesus, and leave something for me to let me know your coming back. The best part about the story of the Samaritan is this, he says he’s coming back, and Jesus is coming back.

They whipped his back so it could hold you up

Stretched his arms, now they are long enough to reach you

Buried in the tomb, all of our sin, all of our diseases.

I’ve got the scars to prove he is a way maker; I can be a witness that he’s a burden bearer, a heavy load sharer.

He is the Ancient of Days!

He is Adam’s Redeemer!

He is Abel’s Vindicator!

He is Noah’s Ark!

He is Abraham’s Sacrifice!

He is Moses’ Burning Bush!

He is Joshua’s Battle-Ax!

He is Gideon’s Fleece!

He is Samson’s Power!

He is David’s Music!

He is Solomon’s Wisdom!

He is Jeremiah’s Balm in Gilead!

He is Ezekiel’s Wheel in the middle of the wheel!

He is Job’s Horse pawing in the valley!

He is Daniel’s Stone rolling down through the mountain!

He is Matthew’s King!

He is Mark’s Suffering Servant!

He is Luke’s Great Physician!

He is John’s Word Made Flesh!

And He is Acts’ coming of the Holy Ghost! 

I look over my life, and I look at what I used to be, and what I could have been but Jesus spared me. It reminds me of the Hymn Love Lifted Me

Love Lifted Me

words: James Rowe

music: Howard E. Smith

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,

But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain:

Love lifted me!

Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help,

Love lifted me!

An Exercise in Humility

An Exercise in Humility

So I had an interesting experience today, I attended an afternoon St. John's day service with my fellow Masonic Brothers. A little background, a St. John's day service is a church program open to the public, where Masons, O.E.S. and Heroines of Jericho gather to celebrate St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. 

This was my first time attending one as a Local Licensed Pastor, in the United Methodist Church so I wore one of my clerical shirts instead of the usual suit, shirt, and tie. One of my Lodge brothers, who is also a Reverend (Baptist), asked me if I wanted to meet the Pastor of the church, I said yes so we went into the Pastor's office. I experienced something I don't get to see often in other Pastors....humility. The pastor of the church we were visiting let us into his office, sat and spoke with us, insisted we sit in the pulpit with him during the program, prayed with us before he went out, and asked both of us to come back sometime so we could preach at his church!!

I had never seen this before because I am used to pastors who "don't want their anointing disturbed" so they have as little contact with other lowly human beings before preaching. I definitely rarely see pastors offer another pastor they just met an hour ago an opportunity to preach! My experience with other pastors is they are protective of "their" pulpits, even regarding their own Associate Pastors. It was refreshing to meet another colleague who was not too proud to have others sit in the pulpit with him and even if it was a courtesy to offer an opportunity to preach, it was a courtesy I had not experienced before. I look forward to meeting more pastors like the one I met today at Hiram Clarke Missionary Baptist Church in Houston TX.

I'm Back

I know have been away, but I am back. I have finished another semester of Seminary, squeaked by with 2 B-'s. I have a new full time job as an Audio/Video Technician at an Oil and Gas company. Still pastoring Haven Chapel UMC, and will be pastoring for at least another year. I have also had the opportunity to be a guest preacher at a few more places as well. I like preaching, almost as much as I like pastoring. I am in the middle of this years Annual Conference and am enjoying it greatly. I promise to post a whole lot more....honest.

Tragedy and Gun Control

Tragedy and Gun Control

If you have been watching the news, you no doubt have heard about the senseless tragedy in Newton Connecticut. 20 first graders and 6 staff members lost their lives and many more are traumatized by the event. Newton Connecticut will never be the same after this horrible ordeal. Since the tragedy has taken place, people have asked many questions, where is God? What kind of God would let this to happen to kids? Why don't we have stricter gun control? Emotions are running high about this situation, at least until the next news cycle. I have a differing opinion about some of this and that might have been why I did not immediately post anything about it, but I would like to offer my opinion on some of the questions asked. 

Where is God? What kind of God would allow this to happen to kids.  

God is still on the throne, He is still in control. He was there in every person that has helped and will help these kids get past this horrible tragedy. God did not cause this to happen to kids, and He grieves with us. If you want to be angry at God for this incident, go right ahead, God will honor your anger, and understand. God is big enough to take you being angry at Him. 2nd Corinthians 1:7 tells us that God is here to console those who suffer and if you want to scream, cry, whatever, God will still be there to wipe away your tears. As to why, simply put some people are evil. I have thought in the darkest parts of my mind when someone goes on a rampage like they did in CT, and then kills themselves why could they not just start with themselves? But that kind of thinking is not very pastoral so I try to keep it under wraps. There is evil in the world just as their is good in the world and we cannot blame everything that happens on God. Some people are just evil. 

Why don't we have stricter gun control?  

There are some who believe that if gun laws were stricter, these kinds of tragedies would not happen. I disagree.Whenever there is a tragedy and someone begins to talk about gun control I think of Paul, my "best friend" in High School currently doing time for the murder of another one of my friends. Paul always had guns, it didn't matter what laws were in place he found a way to buy them and found a way to get rid of them, or sell them to others. In my experience, stiffer gun control laws did not stop someone like Paul from getting a gun, it only makes it harder for someone like me, a law abiding citizen looking to protect my family. Someone like Paul looking to rob my house or do my family harm, would have the upper hand because they will break in my house prepared, and all I will be armed with is a cooling off period. I am not a gangster per se, but I grew up with quite a few, and they never had a shortage of guns on them, there was no discussion of cooling off periods, permits, concealed handgun licenses, none of that. Whenever they wanted a gun, they got a gun and that was all there was to it. Gun laws will make some people feel better when it is all said and done, but it won't get rid of evil people wanting to do others harm. 

I don't know if arming teachers would have prevented this tragedy or not, at first I thought it would but now that seems to be as much of a knee-jerk reaction as the stricter gun laws. I have no idea what it would take to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. I can only look to God for guidance.

Getting good training

I have found a new appreciation for good training. I came across a website with training videos on practically every software you can think of www.lynda.com and I have been studying training materials from Nelson Searcy to help me run a church more efficiently and effectively.  I strive to get better everyday and one way to do that is to get proper training. I submit that we are always getting training whether we go to a seminar, college, watch television, or not. Our minds are taking in information and we are forming habits through our actions regularly, we cannot help it. But we can determine what kind of training we are getting. The people we hang around, the books we read, the websites we visit, they all are training us and making us proficient in whatever material they are giving out. Who is training you?

Procrastination and Reading

So I just finished reading a book the other day. God With Us by Mark Allen Powell. Very strong theologian in my limited experience and I am proud that I finished the book, the only problem is I was supposed to finish reading it for my New Testament I class last fall (two semesters ago). I procrastinated in the reading when it was assigned for class and fortunately, the work was not heavily included in the Midterm or Final, but  would have helped me participate in lectures. Procrastination got the best of me, but my desire to not quit, made me keep the book, and finally get around to finish it in between everything else I have going on. I don't want to make excuses, I am busy, but everything I am doing, or supposed to be doing is adding value to my life so I should find a way to make it happen. Completing the assigned readings for my classes prepares me for class lectures, sermons, and speaking engagements. They also turn my ramblings into something coherent one day as a theologian. I must do better at completing the readings and I am already doing so.

Some of the ways I have dealt with procrastination is learning to say no. Most of my procrastination comes from the fact that I say yes to a bunch of things and end up not doing any of them. Spreading myself too thin means that no task gets enough attention to complete on time and sometimes, at all. Learning to commit to a schedule also helps with procrastination, if I deal with certain matters on a set schedule they will get completed in a timely matter. Also learning to make decisions quickly. Some tasks pile up because when the information came to me, I sat it down and said I will deal with it later, only later did not come. Making quicker decisions, learning to say no, and adhering to a schedule have helped me deal with procrastination.

Do Not Feed the Trolls

I have been running into a specific kind of troll lately on Facebook. I imagine the troll playbook is posted on 9gag or 4chan, or whatever the hipsters are using today for internet jokes. This particular troll is an attacker of religion and is attacking because they are ignorant and have no life they feel our people need to be "liberated" from the "white man's religion." I say they are coming from the same playbook because they all say the same thing: They say that Jesus did not exist, that the story of Jesus is a verbatim copy of the story of Isis, Osiris, and Horus, and that Christians, and Pastors in particular, are unlearned and preaching lies to the people. The trolls then post youtube clips of Ray Haggins and the like and tell the Pastor to "research." The final play in the troll handbook is then tell the Pastor that they will give said Pastor $5000 if they can "prove" Jesus existed.

Now a troll is defined as:

"Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as a forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion. The noun troll may refer to the provocative message itself, as in: "That was an excellent troll you posted

source: wikipedia.org

Feeding the trolls is what I have been doing by responding to these idiots people. First of all even though they claim to have researched a topic, they provide no sources for their claims even though the Pastor may list book after book, furthermore if they do provide sources, said source is immediately more credible than the peer-reviewed books and published papers you will present on the subject. When did watching youtube videos become a credible research source? I digress, yes there are many historical problems that need to be worked out with the Christian faith, yes there are few extra-biblical sources regarding Jesus, and yes there are some similarities with some of the pagan religions. But no we are NOT peddling lies to the people!

There are few primary sources about ANYTHING regarding those times but Christianity seems to be the only thing called into question, called superstition and trolled by someone who just discovered a video and doesn't have the research capacity or presence of mind to research the claims. A person accepts Christianity, then sees a video that says Christianity is fake, they accept that without question, and then tells others to research even though they have done no research themselves. I personally would not want that kind of person in my church to begin with. I can't respect wishy washy people.

A little background on the post, I am a Mason, I was in a Masonic Facebook group and the troll began trolling members of the group as soon as he got in. He broke protocol, was cussing, misspelling words, using poor grammar, and was embarrassing himself and his organization. I commented in embarrassment that this man, had graduated from the same High School as I did. This got some laughs from the other members of the group and then he began to engage me. He made an offhand comment and I asked the troll was the comment addressed to me, if so he needed to "speak up" when talking to me. If I have a question, I tag the person I am referencing, so there is no confusion, he did not. Below is a transcript of my latest encounter with a troll. I changed his name to troll for the purpose not giving them anymore publicity than I already have. I also removed the profanity.


------------------------------------------------------------------

Troll

Im back ja preacher im talking to u what it do?

October 21 at 10:50pm via mobile · Like

Troll

@johney

October 21 at 10:50pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

????

October 21 at 10:51pm · Like

Troll

What school u go to wit me?

October 21 at 10:52pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Your profile says you graduated from Indianapolis North Central High School in 1999. I was class of 1998.

October 21 at 10:53pm · Like

Troll

Ok great I dont no u I c u preaching getin rich how many homeless shelters u give to.?

October 21 at 10:55pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

-_____- I'm not getting rich preaching at all. I actually pay more in tithes to the church I pastor than they pay me in salary. As far as homeless shelters community service etc. I do my share, I work shelters, drive for meals on wheels, give clothes to homeless on the streets downtown, pass out turkeys on Thanksgiving and toys for Christmas.

October 21 at 10:58pm · Like · 2

Troll

May God bless u

October 21 at 10:59pm via mobile · Like

Troll

What do u preach on

October 21 at 11:00pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

I follow a three year calendar called the lectionary. Whatever scripture is selected for that Sunday is what I preach on.

October 21 at 11:03pm · Like

Troll

Oh ok who is jesus?

October 21 at 11:04pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

English name for Yeshua ben Yosef

October 21 at 11:05pm · Like

Troll

Thanks I just belive in God.no JESUS

October 21 at 11:09pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

To each their own....

October 21 at 11:10pm · Like

Troll

I always wondered u sure they wasn't talking about the S.U.N OF GOD?

October 21 at 11:12pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Nope. I have an analytical concordance and a Greek Bible, all of those English transliterations and acronyms don't work when you start looking at the actual words used in the original languages.

October 21 at 11:14pm · Edited · Like

Troll

U tode me to speak up when talking to u? JESUS WAS AND NEVER DID EXIST.TGE MAN YOU ARE WORSHIPING IS THE FIRST EUROPEAN TO SET ON THE THROWN OF EGYPT.YOUR BOOKS DIDNT TELL U THAT.

October 21 at 11:17pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Sure if that's how you feel fine, I've done the Jesus didn't exist dance before.

October 21 at 11:20pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

You not even a full quarter in and running around like you have obtained all this knowledge....

October 21 at 11:22pm · Like

Troll

The bible schools didnt teach u THAT? Ill teech u sence u said speak up when talking to u.I got 5000 say I can prove JESUS NEVER WALKED THIS EARTH.if he did it would be a statue of the n---- all over the planet.but u cant live without the S.U.N for 15 min or the whole earth will freeze.fairytails are for kids the temptations got a song STEALING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

October 21 at 11:22pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Sir you have no idea what the "bible schools" taught me or didn't teach me.

October 21 at 11:24pm · Like

Troll

Better yet who wrote the bible?

October 21 at 11:24pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

No one person wrote the Bible, it is a collection of texts from multiple sources. Prior to the "Bible" there were the Masoretic Texts, the Septuagint, and collections of letters read in various churches.

October 21 at 11:26pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

All that is missing from you is some Ray Hagins videos

October 21 at 11:26pm · Like

Troll

Bs.william Shakespeare wrote along with 46 other scholars malachi 4 1-3 ant no jesus if jesus the sun of righteousness the forgot about that

October 21 at 11:30pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Do you even know what the Masoretic Texts are? Or the Septuagint?

October 21 at 11:31pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Let me start a little slower, do you know what a primary source is?

October 21 at 11:32pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Also did you know there were other versions of the Bible prior to the KJV that you want attribute to Shakespeare?

October 21 at 11:34pm · Like

Troll

Look I dont care prove he was real ill donate 5000 to your church ig u can but go to my page check out ray haggins council of niceia who created jesus and just say thanks and stay out of it.lies on the lips of a priests

October 21 at 11:36pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

LOL! And there is the Ray Hagin drop I knew it

October 21 at 11:37pm · Like · 2

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

I'll do without your 5Gs sir.

October 21 at 11:39pm · Like · 1

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Didn't answer any questions, gave no primary sources just said a bunch of stuff you picked up on the street.

October 21 at 11:39pm · Like · 1

Troll

White man got u preaching his gospel cant tell me about the nubians the land of cush ancient kemet thay jesus story was wtitten 7800 years bc.noah arch epic of Gilgamesh 2500 bc fairytails goodnite

October 21 at 11:39pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Again, you have no idea who is teaching me or what I teach. I know very well about the epic of Gilgamesh, Kushites, Hyksos, Haribu, the Armana Letters and then some, because that is what they teach at "Bible School"

October 21 at 11:41pm · Like · 1

Troll

U talking bs about jesus on the net n---- if u ant a mason stay the f#&*$ out the conversation cowan ease dropping on convo then got the nerve to be a preacher bacc in the day u couldnt preach if u wasn't a mason or eastern star.European thinking never again

October 21 at 11:46pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

I actually haven't said anything about Jesus other than that is the English name of Yeshua Ben Yosef

October 21 at 11:48pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Reading is fundemental

October 21 at 11:48pm · Like

Troll

Jesus cant save u n----- Deuteronomy telk u that everybody accountable for his own sin.n---- please

October 21 at 11:48pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

I think you just wait until you see my name come up on the thread and start typing again, without actually reading what I type.

October 21 at 11:50pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

You just think what they told you Christians would say in response and you have the next response locked and loaded.

October 21 at 11:50pm · Like

Troll

ISAIAH 8 1-4 PROPHET WAS BORN WHERE JESUS COME FROM? GOODNITE COWAN

October 21 at 11:50pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

All this talk of enlightenment but all this n-word talk at the same time

October 21 at 11:51pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Why quote scripture if it was written by a playwright?

October 21 at 11:52pm · Like

Troll

Im grown and its america stop me.he that has no sin N----(in all caps so I know he means it) cast the first stone!

October 21 at 11:53pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

I have no desire to stop you, I'm just saying you are contradicting yourself. Also why do you have to tell me you are grown, your actions should tell that for you? And who said anything about sin?

October 21 at 11:55pm · Like · 1

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Look man I understand. You just got into Masonry, its new, its fresh, you are learning new things. I was like that my first year in the Lodge too, there is no need to run around with your chest all out, being FB gangsta challenging people on the net, you will only get laughed at.

October 21 at 11:56pm · Edited · Like · 3

Troll

Thats what im tellin u.I was brain washed but when getting off them slave ship we as blacks weren't christians im traveling to find who I am.u should travel also.head east where the gospels started

October 21 at 11:57pm via mobile · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

Been there, done that, found my home back in Christianity.

October 21 at 11:58pm · Like · 1

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

That may not be your path.

October 21 at 11:58pm · Like

Johnnie Simpson Jr.

I'm not pushing it on you, nor do I have a desire to.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

He claimed he was going to sleep after that, I was surprised to come back to the group the next morning  and see all the other brothers piling on him for his behavior and calling for his deletion from the group. I  fault myself for even engaging the troll. These Ray Hagins "scholars" have been popping up recently and they seem to find me and my little clerical collar looking for an argument. I cannot allow them to live rent free in my head, and I cannot at ANY cost feed anymore trolls.

Johnnie Simpson Jr.