"When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them ?” (Luke 9:54 NIV)

The Samaritans were hated and despised. They were neither jew nor gentile, but a mixture of the two, leaving them hated by everyone. They were hated for who they are, not for any other reason. Sound familiar?

It's no wonder discrimination was a problem 2,000 years ago. It's still so prevalent and still so volatile. For some reason, people believe that they are the best people, and that all other kinds of people are inferior. They believe that they are smarter, happier, healthier, and more successful than any other people.

But God always has a different plan. Jesus loved the Samaritan, just as he loves every other kind of people; just like he loves you and me. Why do we insist on making fools of ourselves thinking we are better than anyone else?  Scripture tells us time and time again that this is not the case.

Lord, I pray for change. I pray that you crush the feelings of entitlement in those who seek to oppress those you love.  I pray that you fill those same hearts with love and compassion for all, because you love us all.