I've been reflecting on Deuteronomy 22:1-4 for the last few days. I wanted to use it for Sunday morning's reading but thought that the modern symbolism in "ox, sheep, and donkeys" might not come across in a reading.
At first, the challenge to help others, to help them even to the detriment of ourselves struck me as burdensome. But I have never felt that burdened when I have helped someone. (At least, the burden usually subsides pretty quickly.) In fact, there is nothing more invigorating and lifting than doing something nice for someone else, especially someone you genuinely care about.
The problem, at least for me, is not the helping, but the "ignoring." We all ignore some problems of others. We cannot "save the world." We have to keep our eyes open for problems and issues that we can help solve, but we have a tendency to do this anyway. Most families, both church and home families, keep an eye out for those in need and will help any member who asks. But my problem is I don't ask. I ignore my own problems. I am the brother whose "donkey has fallen on the road" and am shooing brothers away who are willing and want to help. And when I do this, I am shooing away Jesus.
Brothers can and do help, but only with His grace, can I get my ass off the road.
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