A Story of Hope: Part 1
“Who are my neighbors?” (Luke 10:29, CEV).
Her name was Ruby. Her eyes radiant. Her face was kind.
Ruby lived in the Eastern Country. The land was lush and fertile. The nation’s economy was the envy of the world.
The western side of the border played home to Ruby’s future husband, Mali. Mali’s country was not as prosperous as Ruby’s. A recent famine had blighted the soil. The shortage of food and water led to crime and outward hostility among the people.
To escape the turmoil, Mali’s father, Eli moved his family to the east not far from Ruby’s home. One day, Ruby was drawing water from a nearby well as she heard the bleating of sheep. Ruby turned and saw a handsome young boy. She fell immediately in love. So, too, did Mali.
Mali brought Ruby home to meet his parents. Eli grunted as he met the foreigner. His displeasure was quite evident.
Eli’s wife, Nomi, pulled her disapproving husband into the kitchen. An argument ensued. Eli ranted, “Why can’t our son seek out a girl from our own people?” Nomi countered, “Where would he find such a girl? We’re strangers living in a foreign land. Yet Ruby loves us as though we are neighbors.”
In his parable about the Good Samaritan, Jesus responded to the question, “Who are my neighbors?” (Luke 10:29, CEV). Jesus’ point in telling this powerful story is that love transcends all boundaries. Love bridges gaps between people, whether those gaps are cultural differences, religious beliefs, or citizenship status. Love overcomes perceived divisions and fosters deep connections despite prejudicial convictions and nationalistic trends.
The great news is that Ruby’s love ultimately won over her future father-in-law. It’s a good thing, too. Ruby and Mali would eventually exchange nuptials though the newlyweds would not live happily ever after.
Yet the future of the world would depend upon Ruby’s acceptance into Mali’s family. The seed that Ruby carried in her womb, as well as the love in her heart, would one day change everything.