Devotionals

Pass By

by PamFord Davis 
06/26/20
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Most people are familiar with the Scripture Good Samaritan story. The Samaritan, an outcast to a Jew, went out of his way to help. What about those who did not?

“Jesus took up the question and said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side (Luke 10:30-32 HCSB).”

It is easy to judge both the priest and Levite. They didn’t even get close to the injured man; instead, they passed him by. They passed by on the other side of the road.

The priest and Levite kept their distance.

They didn’t want to get involved.

What were they thinking?

Maybe…

‘What if his attackers are hiding? They might hurt me too!’

‘That man is bleeding; if I touch him I’ll be contaminated and unclean. I couldn’t worship in the synagogue.’

‘It’s none of my business. Maybe he got what he deserved.’

They kept their distance.

“A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his
is like one who grabs a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17 HCSB).”

I’m not sure why the priest and Levite passed by.

I am eternally grateful that the LORD did not pass me by.

“My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, please do not go on past your servant (Genesis 18:3b HCSB).”