Getting Through the In Betweens- Grace to Share, February 10
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Dan Held
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him” (Luke 10:33 NIV).
Before the cross and the empty tomb for Jesus and His disciples, there was Samaria. The place Jews simply didn’t go through en route to Jerusalem—ever.
Jesus led His followers through parts of Samaria, which may fit Jesus’ description of the disciples being “lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3 NIV). Yet Jesus still gave them these instructions: “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house’” (Luke 10:5 NIV). Jesus expected the disciples to be gracious, not abrasive. While possibly still in that region, Jesus got into a conversation with a Jewish lawyer who was following Him. The lawyer asked Jesus which neighbors he was commanded to love in order to inherit eternal life.
You probably know the rest of the story.
In the famous parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus describes a robbery victim, assaulted and left for dead along the road to Jerusalem—well within Jewish territory. Most using that road were Jews, not Samaritans. An exception was the man from Samaria who stopped to help the victim lying by the side of the road. He loved his neighbor enough to stop and help in his time of need—Jewish or not. Perhaps it was no coincidence that in Jesus’ story it was Jewish leaders who walked around the victim without stopping. This is in effect what happened when the Jews of Galilee walked around Samaria whenever en route to Jerusalem. The message was clear: if the Jews loved their neighbors as commanded, they would go through and pay attention to their Samaritan neighbors in need rather than avoid them while en route to Jerusalem. “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him” (Luke 10:33 NIV).
Have you ever felt along your own cancer journey as though people were avoiding you by “crossing to the other side of the road?” If so, like the robbery victim, you may understand what it is like being passed by in your time of need. Yet it’s also true that you have a unique opportunity. As one who has experienced need, you may know how best to turn and help others, as well. (Of course, it’s tempting to use cancer as an excuse to “walk around” others who are hurting. “I can’t help. I have cancer.”) In between your own events of this day, you may see someone else who needs help, some other neighbor who needs love. You may be the Good Cancer Patient or Caregiver who stops for someone else in need. You may best get through your “in betweens” by helping others get through their own.
Pray: Gracious God, You command us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, but often we don’t want to be bothered. Help me remember how it feels to be passed by on the other side. Help me be like the Good Samaritan with one other neighbor in need this day. Amen.
Your Turn: Be aware today of just one person who is in need. Stop and help. Offer a kind word. As you do, notice how this helps you get through your own cancer journey of “in betweens.”
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.
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