When the political opponents of Jesus sought to disparage Jesus, they accused him of being a Samaritan. “The Jews answered him, ”Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”” John 8:48
Samaritans were a despised minority. Yet the scriptures and the gospel were for them as well. “To the Samaritan woman: ”but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” John 4:14
In the early days after Pentecost as the gospel was advancing, Phillip went to Samaria. “After they (Phillip and friends) had further proclaimed the word of the LORD and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.” Acts 8:25 Samaria was a cross-cultural excursion for Phillip. So was his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, a high court official. Because of the witness of Phillip, many received Christ and were discipled.
One pastor was challenged by a church member who left a message at the church office about a family in need. When the member called to follow up as to why nothing had been done for the family, the pastor apologized, saying, “I am so, so sorry. I will see to it that this doesn’t happen again. You see someone was given that assignment, and they just blew it off.”
“Well, tell me who it is,” she said, for she wanted to give them a piece of her mind. The pastor paused for a moment and said, “It is you.” He went on to explain that God had brought this family’s need to her attention. She had been given the assignment to be the body of Christ. Unfortunately, she had passed it on and just left a message with the receptionist, and the need was never met.
Let’s not turn to others and ask, “Why doesn’t someone do something about it?” when we can do it ourselves. We can be proactive and be the hands and feet of Jesus. For you see, He has assigned us to be responsible to represent Him well with our words, our actions, our empathy, or our cry for justice and mercy. What that might look like for you and your family? Register at MissionNext for opportunities to participate in one of many assignments to meet great needs.
