The Good Samerican

Hey everyone,

I had a really convicting experience this morning on my way to work that I'd like to share with you. I was driving down Los Feliz to Western Ave. when on the side of the road in the corner I saw a beat up station wagon with a red gasoline container on top of it. A young guy and a girl were on the road beside the car w/ their fingers pointed up as to indicate that they needed one dollar from motorists passing by. I was already running 10 minutes late to work, and it was really difficult for me to pull over from where I was, so I drove past them and made a right on Hollywood Blvd. continuing my commute to work.

And then it hit me. Hard.

Luke 10:25-37

I realized that I was the priest/Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan. My conscience was seared - I realized that I had neglected the needs of my neighbor. I made a quick right turn, and then another, and then headed back to the intersection they were at. I couldn't get on the right side, so I ended up forcing into the left lane to make a left turn back, and then another U-turn and through a parking lot (in heavy traffic) to get back to where they were.

It turned out the two asking for money were just the kids - the father was waiting in the car for them to make enough to get to the gas station. I saw a couple of people rolling down their windows to give a dollar or some change. The scripture tells us that the good Samaritan took pity, bandaged his wounds, and took the man to the inn. At this point, I knew I was going to be late anyway, so I figured I might as well take them to the gas station and fill up their gas tank for them (after all, a dollar barely gets you any gas these days!).

It was a rather difficult process- the pump wouldn't take my card, many times... I went in to the station, had to go back and forth a few times to figure out what was wrong w/ the pump - there were lots of people at the station - I think God really was testing me on different levels. In the end, everything worked out, I filled up their gas. The dad sorta grumbled and didn't even look at me, which was a little discouraging, but the kids were just glowing w/ gratitude, and it made my day.

What was interesting was that I didn't feel frustrated going through all the crazy traffic turns, being late, or even the drama at the gas station. As soon as I made that right turn to go back to help them, I feel like my heart was committed to seeing this through. Sort of like being on spiritual-autopilot. :D

I just imagine the guilt I would be feeling right now at work if I had NOT turned around to help them. It is to my shame that I drove past them the first time!

I hope that this story inspires you do be the good "Samerican", ('cuz we live in the States, yo!) <- That's my little Marcel Moment. It definitely helped me understand the scripture in a deeper level, especially when the expert in the law asks Jesus: "And who is my neighbor?"

The best part - I got to work around 11:00, and the producers were in some kind of meeting and didn't even notice I was late.

lybiC/mig.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Heb 13:2