Luke 10:33-35: But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'
The Ditch: The place where life as you had hoped meets the reality that you had hoped to avoid. The place where life gets off track and your own strength is useless to save or rescue. The place where you are cast off by others, broken, wounded and left for dead.
When you are down and feeling defeated so called friends, strangers and well intention family "will tell you to get up, man up, suck it up, get up" and stop whining. But, not so with the Everlasting and Eternal God.
God sees us in our ditch and comes over to us in our broken, dirty, filthy, despairing and lonely state and "he pours his grace and mercy on us." He loves on us and pours his love over us and then helps us to our feet. He carries us to safety at His side, the comfort in His presence, and the place of refuge. He stays with us to give us strength and comfort.
- Quotes from Pastor Stephen Altrogge
God we are so often broken and dirty, fallen and in need of help.
Though others pass by us, thank you for seeing us in the places we have fallen or been cast aside. Thank you for doing all the lifting, saving, cleansing, redeeming, restoring, and healing.
We offer to you our thanks and praise.
