Choose the Better Part
Morning: Judges 18-19
Evening: Luke 10:25-42
The tragic events of Judges 18–19 portray a society that had drifted far from God—where “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25, KJV). Idolatry, lawlessness, and brutality were common because truth and compassion were no longer guiding principles. These chapters show how devastating life becomes when God’s Word is no longer the standard.
In contrast, Luke 10:25–42 presents two powerful lessons: the parable of the Good Samaritan and the story of Mary and Martha. Here, Jesus shows us what it looks like when love and devotion to God are at the center of our lives. One neighbor sees suffering and chooses mercy. One sister chooses to sit at the feet of Jesus, valuing His presence above busyness.
The stark difference between these two passages reminds us of the power of choice. Will we follow the world’s way of doing what seems right in our own eyes, or will we follow Christ’s way—living with compassion and devotion? In a world that often rushes past pain and ignores truth, we are called to choose the better part.
Key Insights
- Moral Chaos Results from Rejecting God’s Authority – The moral decay in Judges 18–19 shows the dangers of living without spiritual direction.
- True Love Requires Action – The Good Samaritan showed that loving our neighbor involves stepping into uncomfortable situations with compassion (Luke 10:33–35).
- Our Priorities Reflect Our Faith – Mary’s choice to sit and learn from Jesus teaches us that time with Him is never wasted (Luke 10:42).
- Religious Symbols Don’t Equal Righteousness – The Levite in Judges and the priest in Luke both missed opportunities to do right, reminding us that appearance isn’t everything.
- We Must Choose Daily to Follow God’s Way – The question is not just what is permissible, but what is Christ-like.
Connection to Other Scripture
- Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good… to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
- James 1:22 (KJV): “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
- Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Questions to Reflect On
- Am I more like the Levite who looked away, or the Samaritan who stepped in with compassion?
- What choices am I making that reflect a heart submitted to God—or a heart doing what seems right in its own eyes?
- Do I prioritize time with Jesus like Mary, or do I get distracted by busyness like Martha?
- What does it look like to “love my neighbor” in my daily routines?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with God’s Word, even when it’s difficult or countercultural?
A Prayer for Today
Lord, in a world filled with noise, distraction, and brokenness, help me choose the better part. Teach me to walk in compassion like the Good Samaritan and to sit at Your feet like Mary. Guard my heart from becoming numb to injustice or overly busy with things that don’t matter. Make me a doer of Your Word and a vessel of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.