March 14, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Go And Do Likewise (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Luke 10: 29-37

But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?"  And he said, "He who showed mercy on him."

Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." (NKJV)

  

Thoughts

Two older men were launching their new bass boat at the ramp and having problems getting the outboard motor started. In the course of events, the boat drifted away from them and grounded itself on the other side of the cove. 

A helpful angler in his own boat went over to the wayward boat, tied it to his, and towed it back to the dock. The drifted boat was also filling with water--the drain plug had been put in the livewell drain instead of the boat drain. To further complicate matters, the bilge pump would not work. 

Watching what was going on, another angler jumped into the sinking boat and worked at getting the outboard to start. Finally it kicked in and he maneuvered the boat onto the boat trailer that was still standing in the water at the boat ramp. 

The boat was pulled out of the water and left to drain on the sidelines. 

This was a very awkward moment for the two anglers who were trying to launch the new boat. Besides the anglers who rendered aid, there were other people who had gathered to watch what was happening. Though there could have been lots of guffawing going on about the anglers' plight, there wasn't. Everybody was helpful in offering comments or fixing the immediate problem. 

(Tom B)

  

Action Point

How many times in our everyday lives do we come upon someone who needs help? Maybe it's someone with a stalled car or flat tire stranded along the freeway. Our response might be, "Someone else will stop; I'm running late for an appointment." I'm guilty of that one! 

Perhaps it happens out on the water while fishing: A buddy achieves the backlash of the year; it happens to everybody. He has been picking away at the tangled mess for at least four or five minutes. Do we offer to help clear the backlash or offer one of our rods for him to use? 

There are numerous opportunities to help someone in need. We need to memorize and follow His teaching when Jesus said, "Go and do likewise."

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When I find a lure that works, I purchase a couple extra of the same lure the next time I'm at the tackle shop. If I lose one, then I have another of the same lure to tie on to my line. Also, if my fishing buddy is not catching anything, I can offer him one of the lures so he can catch some fish.