Abstract
This paper will have an in-depth review of the main themes, a cohesive demonstration of how they relate and integrate, and finally, give a reflection of the practical implications addressed in my life. These themes are analyzed from different biblical narratives. Luke 10:25-37 gives the conversation of Jesus and a well-learned lawyer.
The main subject the verse talks of is perpetual life. John 4:1-42 explicitly shows the up-close and candid encounter with a Samaritan woman. Amazingly, the text highlights the concept where Jesus is portrayed as the living water. Genesis 12:1-19 thematically flaunts the conversation between the Lord God and Abram. The narrative brings forth the theme of obedience and consequential devotion to God’s instructions. Lastly, the Story of Amos gives the account of how Israel as a country with vast prosperity, prominent religious piety, and apparent security is subjected to punishment. The day of the Lord comes upon the people as they have insincere religious observance. This judgment shows the wrath of God on the pretense of people.
Luke 10:25-37
Luke 10:25-37 shows how God’s law is a prerequisite in attaining everlasting life. The Good Samaritan is a role model that shows how to practically apply God’s Law. The act of the controversial Priest and Levite is ironic bearing in mind they are teachers of God’s decree that concerns love (Alexander & Patricia, 1999). An intriguing conversation ensues between the learned lawyer and Jesus. When the lawyer asks about eternal life and a neighbor, Jesus responds cleverly by the parable of the Good Samaritan. Pretense is depicted by the Priest and Levite as shown by a parable. Despite the amassed knowledge about God’s commandments, we are shown that the practical essence is fundamental in attaining the prestigious eternal life which is sought after by each human being other than mere theory. Leviticus 18:5 and 19:18 both accent to the observance of the commandment and the worth of loving a neighbor disrespect of the caliber.
The Jews who hate the Samaritans are exposed as controversial when they do not offer ardent help to the wounded person by the road yet they seek eternal life. Hence, perpetual life can only be attained when the learned law is faithfully practiced in accordance as shown by the merciful Good Samaritan (Attridge, 2006).
John 4:1-42
The text John 4:1-42 is a very interesting account of a Samaritan who meets Jesus by the well and learns about the living water. Salvation pops out in a different fashion in which social norms cannot prevent. As seen in Luke 10:25-37, the aspect of Jews hating Samaritan is evident. Here women are not allowed to have conversations whatsoever with men! The woman is found at the well when the sun is overhead instead of early morning hours. Jesus establishes a good rapport with her and the theme of Salvation is discussed and credited to the true living water. Her quest for quenching her spiritual thirst is met when Jesus becomes the remedy as the living water. The concept of the living water which quenches one’s thirst eternally is revealed in Ezekiel 47:9. Earlier sins committed by the woman need to be repented first and drink the new water of life in truth and by heart. Jesus is depicted as a redeemer to mankind, the narrative in the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the woman at the well has a common background where His tribe prejudices Samaritans. We are shown how Salvation is simple yet expensive. It has to be earned. The process of the practical nature of law and repentance is greater than social customs regarding personalities or gender. Amazingly, all our inner wickedness is conspicuous in the eyes of Jesus. That is, the pretense of the lawyer in interrogating Jesus is known, the pride of the Levite and the Pharisee connects to the former sins committed by the Samaritan woman by the well (Alexander & Patricia, 1999).
Genesis 12:1-19
Genesis 12:1-9 narrates the instructions God assigns Abram to move to different places. The conversation that ensues is full of consequential promises to Abram. The rapport established between God and Abram resembles that which is discussed above. Obedience and compliance to simple instructions without pride are evident in both texts. Genesis 12:11-13 shows the weakness of humans evident in the Pharisees and the Levite when they think of them as better individuals than others. These customs of pride are evident in the Jews during Jesus’ time when the lawyer is just testing Jesus. Abram is found guilty of lying when they travel to Egypt. Abram lies that Sarai is not his wife when the hosts find that she is voluptuous (Attridge, 2006). The favors promised to Abram are witnessed when he moves from one place to another. To receive eternal life one has to not only heed God’s instruction but actions need to be a precondition as shown by the Good Samaritan and the Samaritan woman. Jesus communicates with the learned lawyer and the Samaritan woman by the well and solves issues concerning eternity and living water. All their queries are fulfilled similar to Abram’s encounter with God and fulfillment with promises. When Abram subserviently obeys God, the consequential effect is everlasting promises that can be related to the effect of the living water in quenching thirst eternally. Later, this conversation ends up when Abram and his wife are changed fully similar to the woman by the well.
The Book of Amos
The narration in this book highlights the negative response God has to mere offerings and meaningless festivals. The premise that God advocates for is the faithfulness of people. God wants people who are just and righteous in adhering to His commandments without pretense and idol worship. Luke 10: 25-37 shows the pretense of the Pharisees and the Levites who are God chosen individuals meant to practice His instruction virtuously. Thus, the aspects of loving God and a neighbor are completely absent. The aftermath of such pretentious people is when the wrath of God befalls the wicked. Amos 2:6-16 tells of the judgment of God on Israel (Attridge, 2006). The people are prophetically warned and required to change their ways practically and avoid the pretense they have. A call to repentance is emphasized by Jesus when He converses with the Samaritan woman. Genesis 12:1-9 shows the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. During Amos’ time, the superior people who had wealth had a negative attitude towards the lowly depicted people. This superiority complex is not only shown when men are not allowed to talk to Samaritan women but also when the Jews hate the Samaritans.
Practical implication
Luke 12: 25-37 gives the challenge to have a positive response to my neighbor. The love I give to God needs to stretch further and be felt by that needy neighbor. Another useful lesson learned that should be reflected in my life is the treatment of each individual disregard of ethnicity, racial background, or gender type. Evidently, the most important lesson that needs to be emulated is the compassion and merciful sacrifice the Samaritan shows to the needy person by the road. This positive attitude should be adopted and the pretense of the Pharisee and the Levite be dropped with immediate effect (Alexander & Patricia, 1999).
John 14: 1-42 reveals the divinity of the living water. Jesus is shown as the answer to our irksome quest for eternal life. A face-to-face encounter with the source of the eternal living water that quenches our thirst is a necessity. The Samaritan woman meets Jesus face to face and she takes the step to change her life for eternity. I should go beyond the beliefs and blockades that may jeopardize my dream of accessing Jesus and drinking from His fountain that gives everlasting life (Alexander & Patricia, 1999).
Genesis 12:1-19 gives the challenge of a 75-year-old Abram who obeys God’s commands subserviently and receives handsome promises. Abram at his age obeys God without any fear and knows that God has good reasons for him. This illustrious narrative warns me of façade ways to evade trials in life. God is always there and He never fails whenever he promises. He tells me to be truthful and opt for righteous ways to confront trials in life (Attridge, 2006).
The book of Amos shows the day when God will pour his wrath on the wicked individuals who do not repent and conform to His simple principles. The darkness will be horrific and a judgment that will not be palatable to the wicked. God shows clearly why repentance is essential. It should not limit our potential to become righteous and avoid pretense. His anger will devour those who offer meaningless offerings and festivals that mock Him. Although He is certain in His warning, he offers us a chance to turn our ways and evade His wrath (Attridge, 2006).
Conclusion
The texts above have given an in-depth review of different themes like repentance and going beyond our pride and traditions. The promises of God can be attained with utmost faithfulness and a close rapport with God.
References
Alexander, D., & Patricia, A. (Eds.). (1999). Zondervan Handbook ti the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
Attridge, H. W., Meeks, W. A., & Bassler, J. M. (2006). The Harper Collins Study Bible. New York, NY: Harper Collins.