Lawyer up !

Luke 10:25-37

          We may not realize it, but we here in the United States are very legalistic.  We have a different view that most of the world about laws and how they are obeyed or not obeyed. We are also very litiginous, seeking lawsuits over seemingly ridiculous things. The most famous in my mind is the person that sued McDonald's because the coffee spilled on themself and they got burned;  there was no warning printed on the cup that the coffee was hot. Uh-mayzing! This speaks in a small way of our society. Everyone lawyers up and perhaps because of the society we have created it really is necessary. Even I envisioned having to get a lawyer recently. I was riding my brand new bike when a car hit me. The driver was quite remorseful and promised to do the right thing only to later decide what his version of the right thing was, not to replace the bike. In the end he came to his senses but I had envisioned a battle royal with lawyers and insurance companies all lined up. All I wanted was my brand new bike replaced. He was welcome to the hulk he created.

          In Jesus' time and before that, we look for justification, clarification and rules. I will guess it wasn't just religious, but in all things. The question that arises in one of today's other readings from Deuteronomy and here in Luke is what do we need to do to be saved? What do we need to do to live a good life, pleasing to God? 

          There are always those that could and would line up rules, rubrics and guidelines for you to live a proper life. No matter what the topic, there would be a stricture. I often speak of the religious rules that are set up. The rules that Howard and I speak of as nonsense, rules set up for accommodation. I won't review any of them here today. ( perhaps the first thing of the day to be thankful for! )

           So what is the point? It is not rules and rubrics, not Lawyering up or sanctified strictures of living that is pleasing to God. If rewards are to be had or earned, you will not get them by legalistic ways.  It is really quite simple, keep the love of God in your heart all day long and live accordingly. Have no malice towards anyone, yourself, others or God. Keep your heart full of love and free from judgement.

          There is no need to lawyer up about the rules , exceptions, conditions and clarifications. Love is so simple and pure and love, IS the answer.

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?"

He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live."

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.

Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.'

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"

He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."