“A CERTAIN Samaritan... came where he was” (Luke 10:3333But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (Luke 10:33)). In the passage of Scripture from which these words are taken the Lord Jesus Christ illustrates how He undertook that wonderful journey of love from His Father’s house on high to this poor world of sin and woe, in order to save those who were lost.
The figure of one who had fallen among thieves and been left in a condition of absolute helplessness is employed, showing how that such a one could only be relieved from a Source entirely outside himself; and that had he been left in that forlorn state, he must have inevitably perished.
Two notable men, a priest and a Levite, were unable to help him, but “a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, CAME WHERE HE WAS.” Such was the tender compassion shown by the Son of God towards poor fallen man.
Yes, HE CAME WHERE we were; and, more, went into death for us! How wonderful to think of a Divine Person becoming man, and in all the tender love of His heart, identifying Himself with poor ruined sinners, and Himself (SIN APART) suffering the distance where sin had placed us, even to the forsaking of God during those “three hours of darkness” on Calvary’s Cross, whilst He made atonement for sin! He was forsaken of God that we might never be! Who can measure that distance?
How stupendous the stoop! How wonderful the love that was in His heart towards poor sinful men! How unspeakably great the Person who deigned to undertake the whole work of redemption for the entire delight and pleasure of a holy and righteous God!
How worthy He is of the place which He now occupies at the right hand of the Majesty on high, where He has been crowned with glory and honor; and how worthy, indeed, of THE NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, which God has given Him, in virtue of that fully accomplished atoning work.
Dear reader, may you be deeply affected by the condescending love of so glorious a Person, by owning yourself a sinner in His sight, and accepting Him as your own personal Saviour. You will then have the glorious prospect of soon being with Him and like Him forever; and in the meantime, the blessed privilege of living for His pleasure in the world where He is still despised and refused! A. E. B.