Luke 16: 19-25 the Richman and Lazarus

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.

Jesus continues to give illustrations concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. In this section it points to the source for hope for those who live marginal lives. It shows that from a kingdom standpoint, those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last. Living a life of honor and riches before men does not honor God. God considers the wealth in this age to be a full reward for such persons. Those who honor God and sacrifice for him in this life will be rewarded richly in the eternal life. In the story of the Rich man and Lazarus, the Rich man begs that someone be sent to warn his family about the penalties of the after-life for those who don't honor God. But Abraham says if they don't honor the prophets and even One who has risen from the dead, then who can be sent?

Daily Prayer: Father, I thank you for your wisdom for revealing the truth to those who are marginal in the world. It gives hope for us to know that you have neither forgotten us or abandoned us. Instead, give us this day our daily bread and be satisfied and grateful for that. In your holy name I pray Amen.