I read a true story about a man who was driving to a job interview. He was prepared, dressed nicely and excited about this prospective employment opportunity. On his way, he noticed a woman stranded on the side of the road in her car with a flat tire. Immediately he knew that he needed to stop and help her, but as he glanced at the clock on his dashboard, his heart sank. If he stopped, he was sure to be late for his job interview.

He considered continuing on his way and letting someone else stop and help her. After all, there were other cars on the road. Surely someone else could change a flat tire. He was going somewhere important. His family’s future depended on him getting this job. How could he put that in jeopardy?

After he passed the stranded car, this man knew that he just couldn’t leave the woman stranded. He turned around and changed her tire. When he was done, he continued to his job interview- late and disheveled. When he got there, he apologized to the receptionist for his tardiness and asked if he could possibly reschedule.

“Don’t worry,” the receptionist explained. The person who would be interviewing him was also running behind that day. She had had a flat tire on the way to work. Fortunately, a good Samaritan had stopped and changed her tire. If he would have a seat, she would see him shortly.

Obviously, he got the job.

In James 2, Rahab the prostitute was commended for her hospitality to the two Hebrew spies who came to her city. It would have been easier for her to look the other way. It might have been advantageous in the short-term to turn the spies over to the authorities. Rahab didn’t do the easy thing and she wasn’t short-sighted. It’s a good thing too. Her kindness and faith in the ultimate success of the Hebrews and their God eventually saved her life and the lives of all of her family.

God cares how we treat others. In fact, James tells us, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed.’ But does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it (James 2:15-16)?”

Good deeds are a part of the Christian life and should come naturally to us. Our faith without them is useless (James 2:20). They may not be seen by anyone, but they are seen by God and He has a way of rewarding us for them.

(For those who have missed any of the previous lessons, you can go to https://comethirstyministry.com/blog/ and view all previous postings.)

Week Forty-Eight

Day 1: Titus 2:1-15 (Older and Younger Women)
Day 2: Philemon 1:1-25 (Apphia)
Day 3: Hebrews 11:1-16 (Sarah)
Day 4: Hebrews 11:17-40 (Moses’ Mother and Rahab)
Day 5: James 2:14-26 (Rahab)