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Urban Saints
Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?” He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?” He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbour as well as you do yourself.” “Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.” Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbour’?” Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’ “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbour to the man attacked by robbers?”
The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
LUKE 10:25-37 MSG
URBAN SAINTS is all about the Church rising up and BEING the Church in our community.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is such a powerful story that we can learn so much from. It can be easy for us to focus on the Priest and the Levite crossing to the other side thinking 'How could they just walk on?' The reality is though, so many of us do the same. Ask yourself, when was the last time you witnessed someone in need, but just carried on? Maybe it was the elderly couple across the street who struggle every week with their shopping - but you were too busy to help. Perhaps you saw a parent struggling single-handedly with a pram up a flight of stairs - and you were annoyed they were in your way. Maybe it was even someone in front of you at the supermarket who didn't have enough money - but that's their problem. It's a tough one to admit, but I'm sure many of us fall into this category. We're all busy. We've all got our own problems.
In Proverbs 14:34 the Bible says 'Godliness exalts a nation'. One definition for godliness is 'the sacred impression and workmanship of God in a man.' God's impression and workmanship need to visible and evident in our lives, in order for us to change the community in which we live. When we look at the Samaritan, he really shows us how we can make visible God's workmanship in our lives. If we break it down, we can see how he simply used what God gave him:
HIS EYES - First of all he stopped and saw the man's condition. He was aware and wasn't too busy to notice.
HIS HEART - Secondly, his heart went out to the man who had been attacked. He was moved to act and make a difference.
HIS HAND - Lastly, he used what he had to help a person in need. He did everything he could do to practically help, bandaging his wounds, transporting him to an inn and paying for his stay. He even went above and beyond by paying for any extra costs. One of the biggest things that sticks out from the story is, the Samaritan had no agenda; he just wanted to make a difference in someone's life. The impression and workmanship of God was all over the Samaritan's actions.
URBAN SAINTS is not about a 'project'. It's a state of being. It's about a people who will step out of mundane and the ordinary. It's about a people who will say no to the rat race. It's about a people who refuse to go on ignoring the need around them. It's about a people who will change their outlook and be more aware of people who need help. It's about a people who will go above and beyond to make a difference. Next time you see a need, take the time to go and help. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Just inconvenience yourself for someone else. Think of it this way - with one small action, you could leave a lasting impression. It could mean you losing 15 minutes, 15 seconds or £15 - but you will be making a difference. Then we could really begin see God working through our lives, changing our communities and eventually see our God exalt this nation!
When Jesus had told the story of all the Samaritan had done, he ended with these words - 'Go and do the same'. That's a challenge to us all. Are you going to step up and become and URBAN SAINT? Are you going to be the difference in your community? Let us know how you get on - your stories will be an encouragement for everyone who wants to be the change in their community...