A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road . …Then a despised Samaritan came along and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. Luke 10:30-33
I was on a plane from Chicago to Milwaukee. I had asked for a seat with an empty seat beside it because I had a writing assignment and I needed to spread out my Bible and notes. So on this small plane I ended up being the only person with an empty seat next to her.
I got out my Bible, and just as we were about to take off, into the plane came a huge man, six feet four or six feet five-very masculine. But he was dressed like a woman-miniskirt and stockings, high-heeled white shoes and purse, and a wig. As this cross-dresser came down the aisle, I realized, The only open seat is next to me. He’s going to be sitting next to me all during the flight. And I suddenly wanted to put my Bible away.
I’m amazed I had these reactions. Prejudices I didn’t know I had came out. I said to the Lord, I don’t really care about him. I really don’t care if he goes to heaven or hell. And that’s the truth. Here I was writing and preaching about these things, and suddenly here was a real-life human being, and I didn’t care a bit about him.
I repented and said, I’m sorry. Lord. Forgive me, and give me your heart for this man. You died for him. I didn’t lead him to Christ, but I didn’t put my Bible away either. I smiled at him and changed my attitude. I began to ask myself, What has happened in his life to bring him to this point? And at the end of the journey, I had a compassion for him that I dIdn’t have at the beginning.
Jill Briscoe
ReflectionWho in my life might be like the man on the plane-and what does God want me to do for this person?
PrayerLord of mercy, Lord of compassion, make me like you.
“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”
—Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision
Leadership DevotionsCopyright Tyndale House Publishers.Used by permission.
