The Dog

The dog came bounding down the street toward me. He was some sort of large hound mix. I could hear his owners calling after him but he was ignoring their cries. I called to him hoping to catch him before he ran out into traffic. He came right up into my yard and stopped. He stared at me while he relieved himself on my tree. Then he bolted back to his own house.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about intercepting such a big dog. He seemed friendly but if he wasn’t there wouldn’t be much I could do to defend myself. Jack Jack was voicing his objections from behind the storm door. Despite the risk, I wanted to help if I could.

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke10:25-29)

The parable of the Good Samaritan follows this passage of scripture. This story teaches that we are to care for our neighbor and show mercy in the face of risk. I’m not advising that you go out and rescue huge dogs. (Jack Jack was the wiser one of us that day) But Jesus would have us do even more than that for our neighbor. The risk could be social, economic or time consuming.

I advise prayer and discernment. God will lead you in how to care for those in need. There is joy in this way of life because of the bond it creates between you and God. Nothing can take that away. (Even if the dog relieves himself on your tree)

See you Sunday!
Missy