Oft told is Christ’s story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).  Careful attention and fitting applications have been given to: 1. The robbers, who attacked, beat, stripped his clothing, and left the man “half dead.”  They demonstrate The Iron Rule-”Might makes right.”  It is the selfish, shameful, stronger-than you, bullying, bad guy lifestyle; 2. The priest and Levite, each walking past the poor soul, represent The Silver Rule-”Do unto others as they do unto you.”  The reasoning; I did not get him into that mess, nor do I feel obligated to get him out of his pains, perils and problems; 3. The Good Samaritan represents The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (cf. Matt.7:12).  The Samaritan was prepared, cared, reached out, relieved, treated and transported that suffering soul to a peaceful place for further blessings and benefits. 

The personality that we have tended to over look is the Innkeeper!  If we were to make full application for this “journey through life,” the Innkeeper’s past is prominent, precious, special and significant!  The deeds by the Good Samaritan would be akin to the Teacher or Preacher who cleans up yesterday’s deeds or disaster by applying the Good News, the Gospel, building belief, then baptizing one into Christ to wash away any sins causing any pains or anxiety (Read Mark 16:15f; Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; Gal. 3:26f).  One would then be in the Inn (or the church-1 Corinthians: 12:13) for further care and recovery.  The Innkeeper would be like a skilled nurse, who supplies daily care and attention for the further recovery to take on the divine nature (Note 1 Peter 1:22-2:2; 2 Peter 1:3-4).  Such care may be for the “weak”, unstable soul, who needs “support”; or the “fainthearted” (little soul who is unable to handle challenging choices), who will need “encouragement”; or the “disorderly disciple” (like Israelite rebels, who murmured, doubted, repeatedly caused trouble for Moses, ever talking about returning to Egypt-the old ways), who need “admonition,” warnings and discipline—cf. 1 Thess. 5:14-16).

The Innkeeper had the challenging duty of physically strengthening an unstable soul.  In the church the challenge is to morally and spiritually strengthen souls, who are recovering from multiple wicked ways.  Every congregation is an Inn with souls struggling to take on the divine nature.  They desperately need help for godly growth.  Are You a good “Innkeeper?”