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“Where were you when I needed you?” This is a question that plagues relationships of all kinds…romantic, family, friendship and church. And may actually be a question that God asks of us…for we serve as his spiritual ambassadors to the rest of humankind. He not only asks Cain, but also each of us “Where is your brother?” (Gen 4:9a)…for we are called to be their when our brother is in need.
Cain’s response: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is inadequate at best. The blood, the heart, the soul of our brother cries out to God (Gen 4:10) whenever any of his children ask: “Where were you when I needed you?”
Jesus addresses a similar theme in the story of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-35).
Robbers beat up a traveler on the Jericho Road. Religious leaders bypass the victim. Only a hated Samaritan comes to his aid. Where were you when I needed you? He showed up in a way least suspected…in the form of an enemy.
He continues to show up in surprising places and people whenever we follow the Jesus way (Lk 10:36-37)…Could it be that God is choosing to show up in you and me in surprising ways as well?