We are familiar with the slogans that remind us that speeding behind the wheel kills. In today’s reading it’s not a matter of death, but rather that speeding can cause us to miss the goal. It’s interesting to compare driving a car with the way we live our lives. Studies tell us that a pedestrian has a range of vision of 180 degrees, while a driver going at 100 km/h has a range of 45 degrees. If, however, he drives at the speed of 130 km/h, his range of vision is dramatically reduced to 30 degrees.

Have you ever considered how our actions reflect the condition of our hearts?

The story of the Good Samaritan is one that challenges us. Samaritans were cultural outsiders, as far as the Jews were concerned. They did not worship the God of the Old Testament, and indeed a Samaritan village had recently rejected Jesus (Luke 9:51-53)!

There are some Bible stories that really give us trouble. Different stories for different people for different reasons.

Take this Mary and Martha story, for example. It’s a short one, but that little paragraph won’t leave me alone.

Scripture doesn’t tell us how they came to know of Jesus, but the sisters are honoured to accept him into Martha’s home (v 38). Mary sits at his feet, like the male disciples soaking up anything Jesus says (v 39).

Not many of us would be comfortable enough to hold our prayer habits up for public inspection, unless we plan to give a lesson on how to be haphazard, neglectful and disappointed when we pray. Clearly Jesus’ own disciples also felt this way, and their first ‘prayer’ was the humble request, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’.

Jesus reassures us that we can learn to pray well. He outlines the beautiful balance and order of a thoughtful conversation with God.

In battle, it is wise to choose effective weapons and excellent protection. As we present the gospel we need to fight for truth, but arm ourselves with compassion.

Jesus lived in such a way that his observers fell into several categories: those who believed, those who rejected, and those who had more questions. After providing a spiritual solution to a man’s physical problem, Jesus graciously engaged his opponents in discussion.

We are made with a love for light. Sunlight streaming through a window on a winter’s day breaks the pattern of storms and early twilight, and promises that our homes and hearts will survive the darkness. It would be a tragedy to shut out this rare wonder by pulling the curtains closed.

Spiritually, every generation has those who respond to the light, and those who prefer not to stir from their dim rooms.

It’s hard when people are against you, especially those you count as friends. It’s harder still to think about doing good to others when you’re down, even sick. But God protects and blesses those who do this and in the end restores them (vv 1-3).

It may be you are feeling that there is not much hope. That you don’t deserve God’s blessing never mind his healing or relief from those who are coming against you.