THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS

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Read: Luke 16:19-31

"I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment." Luke 16:27-28 NKJV

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Jesus taught in this powerful story of life after death, that the circumstances of this life – wealth or poverty – are of little consequence in comparison to our eternal destiny. The rich man in Hell was concerned that someone would tell his brothers how to avoid this "place of torment." Abraham's answer that the man's brothers would not be convinced, "though one rise from the dead" was prophetic of what was about to happen. Jesus did rise from the dead and the Pharisees still did not believe.

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It is not pleasant to consider the reality of eternal punishment. When people are still alive there is always the potential that they will hear the message and believe. But after death, there is no more hope. Lord, help us to remember this and realize the urgency of getting the message out to unbelievers. Bless our efforts in supporting our church and missions and telling others about the gospel.

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He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" Luke 16:31 NKJV

THE RICH FOOL

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Read Luke 12:13–34

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 NIV

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It is a natural instinct to want to add to our possessions. The reasons are many, including the desire for security or just the pleasure of owning beautiful things. God does not condemn financial planning; in fact he condemns those who neglect their responsibilities. But this story of the rich fool, as told by Jesus, is about greed or excessive worry over money. No matter how much we own, we will leave it all behind, either in a natural disaster or at the end of life. The important issue is to be "rich toward God."

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Heavenly Father, Thank You for all You have provided for our family. Forgive me when I worry about money, for You have said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (12:25-26)

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"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20-21 NIV