“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ - Luke 12:20
As they came over the hill, their eyes deceived them. For miles in every direction all they could see was sand. The glare from the bright sun off of the grains of sand nearly blinded them as they continued moving forward, determined to make it back to the small village. Pulling the scarves over their faces, they press on one step at a time on weak legs. Regretting the moment they left the Land Rover and wishing for some shelter from the sun. They knew the small village was less than 5 miles away, which they should be able to make before nightfall, if they kept moving and drinking their water. Then everything changed when one of them stumbled over something in the sand. Unearthed was the hoof of a horse. They quickly began brushing away the sand and uncovering the body. What they weren’t prepared for though was the hand that reached up from beneath the horse and grabbed them.
Digging faster, they held onto the arm and pulled until finally the face of an elderly man with cracked swollen lips, and bruises under his eyes emerged into their view. Freeing the man from the horse’s weight, they had to lift him and carry him away from the dead animal, which was slowly being covered again by the blowing sand. The man could hardly stand and his voice was near a whisper. His eyes begged them to help him to the next village. The two travelers looked at each other and began debating what they should do. One wanted to help the aged man, while the other was concerned about their own safety and water supply. The older man had nothing, but the shirt on his back and pants. No hat, glasses, scarf or shoes on his feet. The blisters on his feet and hands represented the sheer heat of the sand to the touch.
The more compassionate of the travelers, unwrapped his scarf and covered the mans head. He took his canteen, shaking it realized that there was less than half left, but handed it to the older man. He removed one shoe and sock and helped them man secure them to his feet (one on each); and then proceeded to do the same to his own feet. He gave the older man his hat, his glasses and salve for his lips and blisters. As the man drank the last of the water, savoring the final drop, the trio began walking. Hour after hour past until finally on the horizon were the peaks of the white tents of the nomadic village. By the time they reached the village the older man and the good Samaritan were parched, dehydrated and exhausted. The other traveler was tired, but looked fine in every other way.
As the three entered the village there became a loud commotion and people ran over toward the men. Pushing past the two foreign travelers they poised all of their attention on the older man. Picking him up, lying him on a stretcher and carrying him to the medical tent, he received wonderful care and treatment. A few moments passed before the attendees came back to the two travelers. The one villager that spoke English looked to the compassionate one, and said, “You come, be near the King and find rest and nourishment.” Then he motioned the other traveler off to find his own treatment and nourishment from the water troughs near the livestock pens.
Everything we have is from God above. He is not in the business of manufacturing or mass distribution, but He is in the business of creating intelligent minds and creative thought. He is in the business of providing each of us skills and talents that allow us to make a living. Look around yourself – your laptop, your table, your chairs, your car or transportation, your food, your furniture, your water . . . it all is spawned from the Creator of the Universe. Not a single one of you can take any of it with you when you pass on. It is the compassion, the love and the charity that we share in this world that have lasting values as we stand before the King of Kings.
Digging faster, they held onto the arm and pulled until finally the face of an elderly man with cracked swollen lips, and bruises under his eyes emerged into their view. Freeing the man from the horse’s weight, they had to lift him and carry him away from the dead animal, which was slowly being covered again by the blowing sand. The man could hardly stand and his voice was near a whisper. His eyes begged them to help him to the next village. The two travelers looked at each other and began debating what they should do. One wanted to help the aged man, while the other was concerned about their own safety and water supply. The older man had nothing, but the shirt on his back and pants. No hat, glasses, scarf or shoes on his feet. The blisters on his feet and hands represented the sheer heat of the sand to the touch.
The more compassionate of the travelers, unwrapped his scarf and covered the mans head. He took his canteen, shaking it realized that there was less than half left, but handed it to the older man. He removed one shoe and sock and helped them man secure them to his feet (one on each); and then proceeded to do the same to his own feet. He gave the older man his hat, his glasses and salve for his lips and blisters. As the man drank the last of the water, savoring the final drop, the trio began walking. Hour after hour past until finally on the horizon were the peaks of the white tents of the nomadic village. By the time they reached the village the older man and the good Samaritan were parched, dehydrated and exhausted. The other traveler was tired, but looked fine in every other way.
As the three entered the village there became a loud commotion and people ran over toward the men. Pushing past the two foreign travelers they poised all of their attention on the older man. Picking him up, lying him on a stretcher and carrying him to the medical tent, he received wonderful care and treatment. A few moments passed before the attendees came back to the two travelers. The one villager that spoke English looked to the compassionate one, and said, “You come, be near the King and find rest and nourishment.” Then he motioned the other traveler off to find his own treatment and nourishment from the water troughs near the livestock pens.
Everything we have is from God above. He is not in the business of manufacturing or mass distribution, but He is in the business of creating intelligent minds and creative thought. He is in the business of providing each of us skills and talents that allow us to make a living. Look around yourself – your laptop, your table, your chairs, your car or transportation, your food, your furniture, your water . . . it all is spawned from the Creator of the Universe. Not a single one of you can take any of it with you when you pass on. It is the compassion, the love and the charity that we share in this world that have lasting values as we stand before the King of Kings.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
You have given me everything. My mind, my spirit, my heart and my passions all stem from Your creative process. You made me to do Your will, and to expand Your Kingdom. Thank You Holy Spirit for building in me a compassionate heart for others. Help me to reach out and be an instrument of my God. In Your name I pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
©Sondove Enterprises, 2011
Almighty God,
You have given me everything. My mind, my spirit, my heart and my passions all stem from Your creative process. You made me to do Your will, and to expand Your Kingdom. Thank You Holy Spirit for building in me a compassionate heart for others. Help me to reach out and be an instrument of my God. In Your name I pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
©Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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