Daily Devotionals
June 26, 2019
A Good Neighbor? | June 26, 2019
DAILY READING
FIELD NOTES
There are many verses in this text worthy of reflection. I was trying to determine where to focus my writing. As I was walking to the refrigerator to get a cold drink, I wondered if Jesus had ever been called the Good Neighbor? He was 30 when he began his ministry. Until that time he had worked as a carpenter [probably in Joseph’s shop]. So, he lived in a community and most certainly, he was a neighbor.
I did a quick search to locate lists of Jesus’ names, just to check, just to see if ‘good neighbor’ was on any list. I found list ranging from 50 to 400 names and descriptors, but no ‘good neighbor’! Here are just a few names I did find.
Adam
Advocate
Almighty
Alpha And Omega
Amen
Beloved Son
Branch
Bread Of Life
Chief Shepherd
Christ Of God
Consolation Of Israel
Cornerstone
Counselor
Creator
Deliverer
First And Last
Good Shepherd
Head Of The Church
Holy Child
Holy One
I Am
Image Of God
Immanuel
Jesus Of Nazareth
King Of The Jews
King Of Kings
Lamb Of God
Light Of The World
Mediator
Messiah
Only Begotten Son
Prince Of Peace
Redeemer
Resurrection And Life
Rose Of Sharon
Son Of David
Son Of God
True Light
True Vine
Truth
Word
Word Of God
Merriam-Webster’s definition of neighbor is two-fold. The first is someone living nearby; the second is a member of humanity. [And perhaps, everyone n between.]
The Luke text has a ‘good grief’ feel to me. I wonder if Jesus was thinking; ‘my time is short and I am not seeing the maturity I had hoped for in my disciples. I need to heal this boy because they are not yet ready! I want to help this father and this son, here; now!’ [A neighborly thought if I ever heard one]. What if following Jesus is all about being a good neighbor?
QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD
- Develop a list of words that describe Jesus as a good neighbor; both in his actions and in his teaching. Find Bible stories that support your list.
- Remember a time when someone ‘stepped in’ to provide what you most needed.
PRAYER GUIDE
Lord, make plain to me the way of the good neighbor. Rather than bemoaning [talking about] the circumstances of people near me, bring into my awareness ways in which I can lift up and love those involved. Am I my brother and sisters keeper? In the prayers of my heart, I am. You, dear Lord, will guide what follows these prayers. We ask with open hands, hearts, and minds. Amen.