When I was younger, the private Christian school that I attended taught us to learn scripture. We had to recite it along with the chapter and verse. As a kid, it was not something that I wanted to do, but as I got older I could certainly see the benefits.
In talking with a stranger one day, I quoted scripture that I had not thought of in years. It immediately came back to my mind as if I had just learned it the day before! I knew that it was the Holy Spirit bringing it back to my remembrance. (John 14:26) Although I didn’t remember the chapter or verse, I was still glad that I had learned it and that I had “hid” that scripture in my heart.
While you may not be able to recite scripture, you may recognize some well-known verses. Ones like John 3:16. Almost everyone knows that scripture.
“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.”
If you were to see it written on the back of a t-shirt or a bumper sticker you would immediately know what it says. But, what about a random verse like Luke 10:34? I wouldn’t expect someone to know it by heart, but it is a “noteworthy” scripture for sure. It’s part of the story of the Good Samaritan who helps a Jewish traveler who has been robbed, beaten, and left to die in the street.
It says, “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
That is such a strange scripture to remember, but so vital to us as Christians.
Why? Because sometimes we can become so consumed with our affairs that we never stop to consider the needs of others. In this case, the good man “got off his donkey” and lent a hand to someone in need, never minding his own plans.
If we look today at the direction that the world seems to be going, I think it’s safe to say that many need to be reminded that this world is not always about you? We are commanded, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Why? Because to be like Christ Jesus we have to be dead to sin and self but have love and compassion to others. It’s just that simple. This particular scripture should “come to remembrance” in the moments when we would rather walk past and ignore the needs of others than to stop and lend a hand.
It should weigh on our hearts and minds so much that it compels us to service in spite of selfish desire. The command of this scripture for you and me today is quite simple. “Hey, you! Get off your donkey!”
