Where is the Good Samaritan?

At the beginning of the semester, I was called to inform me that I was getting a new roommate. His name is Ahmad and he is from Saudi Arabia. I was extremely excited to meet him, and my expectations didn't let me down when I finally did meet him. I have been helping him with his English, while he helps me with my Arabic. His English skills are coming along a lot quicker than my Arabic, however.

When he moved here, he was not able to bring all of his luggage, so his family shipped that separately. The most important thing to Ahmad in that luggage was his Playstation 3, which he talked about every day. He would sit on the couch in front of the television all afternoon dreaming that he had a controller in his hands. My roommates and I would sometimes sit there with him and listen to him talk about how much he wanted his luggage.

Finally, he made a phone call to the Columbus Airport, who forwarded him to US Customs to check on his luggage. He was told that if he didn't pick up his luggage in 2 days, then they would claim it and he would never be able to get it. They are supposed to give a 20 day notice before doing something like this, which they claimed they did, but I am witness to the fact that Ahmad got no word. But with 2 days left, who was going to take him to Columbus? One of the biggest snow storms on the season was expected over that 2 day period, but if he didn't get his stuff by that deadline, he never would.

I called well over a dozen people asking for help. I also got about a dozen excuses as to why they could not. I fall into that list of people offering excuses, as I felt as if I couldn't miss FCA that night. I could take him early Wednesday morning, but that would be in the midst of all the snow and that would be pushing our deadline (which ended Wednesday at 5 pm). But I want to list a few other excuses I received:

Person A: "I cannot because I have to plan for Bible study."
Person B: "I cannot because I have discipleship."
Person C: "I cannot because I am working on advertisement stuff for (insert campus ministry here)."

The list goes on, but can you see the pattern so far? Look at those responses, along with my response. How pathetic are they? Here is a guy needing help, and all the Christians are too busy doing their religious activities!! Where is the Good Samaritan? Where is the person who is not too busy doing their religious stuff to just help the guy out!? That day, it was a man in the International Office, who may or may not be a follower of Christ. But what a wonderful opportunity it would have been for the believers to demonstrate Christ to Ahmad, who does not yet know Him?

Earlier in the week, I was able to share the Gospel for the first time with Ahmad, but at that moment, I missed my opportunity to SHOW the Gospel to Ahmad. Thankfully, God's grace covers that and I will have many more opportunities to show him Christ. In fact, I already have had many more opportunities. But what a great illustration of the story of the Good Samaritan and what a poor response by all of those who know that story!

Once I realized what I had done, this message really began to work on my heart. Maybe you have had a similar experience, where you have missed the opportunity to be that Good Samaritan. First I want to state that God's grace covers you and thankfully, we are unable to thwart God's plan. So despite our actions, God still accomplishes what He sets out to do. But secondly, I want to encourage you to carry on and look for opportunities where you can serve and you can be that Good Samaritan. The world is hurting. The world is in need. The world desperately needs people to rise up and bring them hope. Guys, this is a call for Christians. We are the only ones who can truly bring them hope. Don't miss your opportunity!

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

- Isaiah 61:1-3